Daniel, the Golden Retriever
What’s inside...
From Tammy Tomlinson and illustrator Kiersten Eagan, a very good dog named Daniel, who is used to winning, learns a tough lesson based on the true story of the Golden Retriever who stole the show and won over hearts at the 2020 Westminster Dog Show. Daniel is excited to be back at the dog show, enjoying the attention and pampering from humans. Although winning the big red, white, and blue ribbon is his goal, an unexpected turn of events teaches him what winning truly means to him. The story, grounded in real events, highlights the support and praise Daniel received from his numerous fans, who always root for the underdog.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Daniel, The Golden Retriever
Discussion points
How do you think Daniel felt when he found his new home?
What does friendship mean to you and how can you be a good friend like Daniel?
Why is it important to help others, and what are some ways we can help people in our community?
How do you think the story would change if Daniel had not been so kind and brave?
What did you learn from Daniel's adventure and how would you apply it in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Daniel's actions and decisions throughout the story to foster empathy and ethical thinking.
Use Daniel's experiences to discuss the importance of kindness and bravery, asking your child to provide personal examples of similar situations they have faced.
Engage in a conversation about the morals of the story and how these lessons can be incorporated into daily life to help your child apply these values universally.
Discuss the different characters and their interactions with Daniel, encouraging your child to explore different perspectives and the effects of friendship.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Daniel, the Golden Retriever, showcases empathy by understanding and reacting to the feelings of other animals in the park.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions and respond compassionately to their peers, strengthening their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Daniel takes care of his space and helps clean up the park after playtime.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take responsibility for their belongings and shared spaces, promoting good citizenship behaviors.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Daniel collaborates with his friends to organize a park clean-up event.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together to achieve common goals, applicable in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: When Daniel faces challenges in training for the park's agility contest, he doesn't give up and practices daily.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and hard work in overcoming obstacles, whether in academics or personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes respecting wildlife and keeping the environment clean.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be environmentally conscious and act responsibly towards nature during outdoor activities.