Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls
#7 of 13 in Dog Man Series
on Goodreads (12,303)
What’s inside...
Dog Man, a hero with the head of a police dog and body of a policeman, faces his most dangerous adversary yet: an army of hot dogs from the future intent on turning history into sausage. He will need the help of his best friend Li'l Petey, a cat, and the world's most adorable kitten to save the day and determine his own future. In the seventh Dog Man book, Petey learns what it means to do good, as narrated by worldwide bestselling author and artist Dav Pilkey. The Supa Buddies have been working hard to help Dog Man overcome his bad habits. But when his obsessions turn to fears, Dog Man finds himself the target of an all-new supervillain! Meanwhile, Petey the Cat has been released from jail and starts a new life with Li'l Petey. But when Petey's own father arrives, Petey must face his past and fight for who he loves. Dav Pilkey's wildly popular Dog Man series appeals to readers of all ages and explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, persistence, and the importance of doing good.
Discussion points
How do you think Dog Man felt when he kept getting the ball wrong, and what would you do if you were in his shoes?
What does the friendship between the characters teach us about helping and supporting each other?
Why do you think Petey the Cat acts the way he does, and what do you think he truly needs from his friends?
How do the characters in the book show courage and resilience, and can you think of a time when you showed similar qualities?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters’ experiences to their own by sharing personal stories that mirror the situations in the book. Help them recognize and articulate the moral lessons, and guide them to apply these learnings in their everyday interactions. Praise their insights and understanding to boost their confidence and deeper engagement with reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls,' the main character, Dog Man, learns to take care of his duties as a police dog diligently, despite the chaos and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take ownership of their chores and schoolwork, understanding that their contributions help their family and peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story shows Dog Man understanding the feelings of other characters, even those who initially seem to be adversaries.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect the feelings and perspectives of others, which can help them build more meaningful relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing setbacks, Dog Man continues to strive to save the day, demonstrating that persistence is crucial.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it be solving a complex puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book showcases how characters work together to overcome problems, emphasizing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to group activities at school or playing sports, where working together is key to success.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Dog Man often needs to change his approach to solve problems, showing flexibility.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn that sometimes being adaptable and open to new methods is essential to overcome challenges in life.