Daggie dogfoot
BBC Young Collection. Series
What’s inside...
Daggie Dogfoot, the runt of the litter, is in danger as the pigman seeks to take him away. Daggie, a pig with remarkable qualities, escapes and embarks on an adventure to learn how to fly. Instead, he discovers his ability to swim, which becomes a vital skill to save the entire farm. His heroic actions demonstrate his resourcefulness and bravery, proving that even pigs might fly.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
2 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Daggie Dogfoot
Discussion points
What do you think makes Daggie different from the other pigs, and how do you think he feels about it?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from everyone else? How did you handle it?
Daggie shows a lot of courage throughout the book. What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
How do the other animals react to Daggie's uniqueness? What does this teach us about friendship and acceptance?
If you could have a special ability like Daggie's, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening when discussing Daggie’s feelings of being different. Emphasize understanding and relate it back to your child’s personal experiences.
Highlight moments in the story where Daggie shows resilience, and encourage your child to talk about times when they've had to be brave.
Discuss the book’s themes of acceptance and diversity by reflecting on the variety of characters and how they interact with Daggie.
Encourage your child to imagine and discuss what life would be like with a unique ability, fostering creativity and a personal connection to Daggie’s story.
Create a warm, open environment for discussion, showing enthusiasm for your child’s thoughts and responses, which helps in deepening their engagement with the book’s messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: Daggie Dogfoot, the runt of the litter, is born with webbed feet and initially viewed as different. Over time, his unique trait saves lives, illustrating that differences can be strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their unique qualities and those of others, understanding that everyone has something special to contribute.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing challenges because of his differences, Daggie never gives up. His determination to adapt and thrive is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to keep trying in the face of adversity, whether it’s dealing with personal challenges or striving to achieve a goal.
Example Lesson: Compassion and Friendship
Explanation: Daggie's interactions with other animals show a deep sense of empathy and friendship, valuing others and forging strong bonds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building friendships and being kind and considerate towards others, skills that are essential throughout life.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Daggie often finds inventive solutions to problems, using his unique abilities and quick thinking.
Real-World Application: This aspect of the book teaches children that problems can be approached in creative ways, and that thinking outside the box is often rewarded.