Dogs of War: A Graphic Novel
Dogs of War Series
What’s inside...
Sheila Keenan's captivating stories paired with Nathan Fox's stunning art bring the heroic military actions of man's best friend to life in 'DOGS OF WAR.' This graphic novel tells the stories of canine military heroes from World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. The collection features three fictional stories inspired by historic battles and real military practices, highlighting the remarkable adventures of soldiers and their service dogs. Rendered with fascinating detail, the book showcases the faithful dogs who braved bombs, barrages, and battles to save countless soldiers. Based on the real-life roles of military dogs, 'DOGS OF WAR' captures the adventure, devastation, and the life-affirming friendships between boys and their dogs during wartime.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different dogs in the story make you feel, and which one did you connect with the most?
What are some ways the dogs helped the soldiers, and why is that important?
How did the setting of the war influence the actions of the characters?
What can we learn from the bravery and loyalty shown by the dogs?
What would you have done if you were in a similar situation as any of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by asking about your child’s favorite moment in the book, and share yours to create a connective atmosphere.
Encourage empathy by exploring how your child feels about the challenges faced by the dogs and their handlers in the story.
Highlight the themes of courage and teamwork by discussing specific instances where these qualities are demonstrated in the book.
Ask your child to think about what qualities they share with their favorite character, helping them to connect personally with the story.
Create a supportive environment for sharing thoughts and opinions without judgment, reassuring your child that all perspectives are valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The graphic novel showcases various dogs in wartime settings, illustrating their bravery in dangerous situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of acting bravely even in fearful situations, helping them to face everyday challenges with courage.
Example Lesson: Loyalty and companionship
Explanation: Dogs in the story exhibit unwavering loyalty to their human handlers, highlighting the deep bond between humans and animals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of loyalty and caring in friendships and relationships, reinforcing positive social interactions.
Example Lesson: The impact of war on lives
Explanation: The narrative portrays the harsh realities of war and its effects on those involved, including the animals.
Real-World Application: Children gain an understanding of empathy and compassion for others' suffering and the complexities of war, promoting a thoughtful perspective on global issues.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Various segments of the novel emphasize how both dogs and humans must work together to accomplish missions.
Real-World Application: This provides a practical understanding of how teamwork can be used to solve problems and achieve goals in school projects or family tasks.
Example Lesson: History and cultural awareness
Explanation: By setting the stories during significant historical events, the book educates about the past from a unique perspective.
Real-World Application: Children learn about history and different cultures through engaging storytelling, enhancing their knowledge and cultural sensitivity.