Dr Xargle's Book of Earth Hounds
Dr Xargle Series
What’s inside...
In this successor to 'Dr Xargle's Book of Earthlets', which was shortlisted for the Children's Book of the Year Award, the doctor and his aliens prepare to take another trip to Earth to study man's best friend, the Earth hound.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Dr. Xargle describes dogs the way he does? What can we learn about seeing things from another's perspective?
If you were to explain your pet or a favorite animal to an alien, how would you describe it?
What are some differences and similarities between the way Dr. Xargle sees Earth hounds and how we see them?
How do you think the dogs feel about Dr. Xargle's descriptions? What emotions do you think they might feel?
What part of the book was the funniest to you? Why do you think that part was especially funny?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use tone and expressions to make the reading lively and interesting, mimicking Dr. Xargle’s curious and humorous tone.
Encourage your child to think about what their own pet or a familiar animal would look like from the perspective of an outsider or someone unfamiliar with Earth.
Discuss the importance of understanding and empathy in interpreting behaviors of pets and other animals.
After reading, engage in a creative activity where you both draw or describe a familiar object or animal as if explaining it to someone from another planet.
Praise your child’s responses and insights, reinforcing their analytical and creative thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Differences
Explanation: Dr. Xargle's humorous approach to teaching about Earth dogs (hounds) from an alien perspective highlights the diversity of life and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect differences among people in their community or school, fostering a sense of inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Empathy Development
Explanation: Through the alien’s analysis, children see a unique perspective on everyday animals, aiding them to understand and share feelings from another being's viewpoint.
Real-World Application: This aids children in developing empathy, as they learn to understand and share feelings, promoting better interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The alien’s quirky misunderstandings encourage children to evaluate and critically think about everyday objects and norms they usually take for granted.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to question and analyze daily routines and cultural norms, which enhances their analytical skills.