Dog Diaries #1: Ginger
#1 of 7 in Dog Diaries Series
What’s inside...
Born in a puppy mill, Ginger the golden retriever recounts her life through various owners and harsh situations until she escapes to join a pack of wild dogs. Though initially relishing her freedom, she struggles with the harsh realities of survival. Ginger's journey is a quest for a loving forever family amidst the backdrop of realistic black-and-white illustrations and an appendix packed with informational resources about puppy mills, animal shelters, and golden retrievers. The DOG DIARIES series, told from a dog's perspective, focuses on different breeds and is tailored for dog-loving early middle-grade readers.
Discussion points
What do you think made Ginger feel happy or sad in the story?
How do you think Ginger solved her problems and what can we learn from that?
What would you have done if you were in Ginger's place during her adventures?
Why is friendship important according to Ginger’s experiences?
How do the other characters in the book help Ginger, and what does that teach us about teamwork?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own thoughts about Ginger’s story to set a comfortable tone for discussion. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book, whether through drawing, acting out scenes, or direct conversation. Connect the book's themes to your child’s daily experiences to make the discussion more relatable. Respect their interpretations and provide positive feedback to cultivate an open and enthusiastic dialogue. Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to dive deeper into their understanding and perspective.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story follows Ginger, a shelter dog whose experiences teach children about the difficulties faced by animals without homes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to show compassion and understanding towards animals and people in similar situations, teaching them to be more caring and considerate in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ginger overcomes various challenges, demonstrating the importance of persistence and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to adopt a resilient mindset, helping them to face and overcome challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Friendship
Explanation: Ginger’s interactions and friendships with other dogs highlight the value of companionship and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by nurturing their friendships and appreciating the role of teamwork and companionship in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The book illustrates the responsibilities involved in caring for a pet, emphasizing accountability.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of being responsible and reliable, lessons that can be applied when taking care of pets or fulfilling tasks at home or school.