DFC Library: Good Dog, Bad Dog
#1 of 6 in Good dog, bad dog Series
on Goodreads (35)
What’s inside...
Kirk Bergman and Duncan McBoo are the top canine cops in Muttropolis, constantly busy with cases involving cunning crooks and malevolent mongrels. These dog detectives embark on adventures filled with action, suspense, and milkshakes as they chase leads, sniff out crime, and collar the bad guys. Criminals beware: McBoo and Bergman are hot on your tail! Now available in paperback format.
Character compass
Kirk Bergman
Duncan Mcboo
Discussion points
What did you think about the actions of the dogs in the story? Whose behavior did you agree with more?
How do the dogs solve their problems in the book? Can you think of other ways they might have handled their situations?
What do you think makes a 'good' dog or a 'bad' dog based on the story?
Did the story change how you think about right and wrong? Why or why not?
How do you feel about how the dogs treated each other? What would you have done differently if you were one of the dogs?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the story and the characters' dilemmas.
Encourage your child to relate the story themes to their own experiences, enhancing personal connections to the book.
Discuss the moral lessons from the book, relating them to everyday situations to help your child understand right from wrong.
Use expressions and voice changes to make the discussion lively and engaging, mirroring the dynamic world of the dogs in the story.
Highlight the consequences of the characters' actions to stress the importance of decision-making and ethics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The detectives, Kirk Bergman and Duncan McBoo, showcase effective teamwork throughout their investigations, highlighting how collaboration can lead to solving complex problems.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with peers on group projects or in team sports, learning to value each other’s strengths and contributions.
Example Lesson: Understanding right from wrong
Explanation: The book distinguishes between ethical and unethical behaviors through the detectives’ choices, emphasizing the importance of making morally sound decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children discern right from wrong in their daily interactions and encourages them to act ethically, even in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing numerous challenges, the protagonist dogs persist in their quest, demonstrating that perseverance is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence in tasks, whether completing homework or learning a new skill, is crucial to overcoming obstacles and succeeding.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The detectives use critical thinking to analyze clues and solve mysteries, showing the benefits of a logical approach to complex problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use reasoning and logic in their everyday lives, enhancing their decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The diverse characters in the book, including the main detective duo, demonstrate how embracing diversity can enrich experiences and foster respect among individuals.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to respect and embrace differences in others, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their peer interactions.