Dude!
What’s inside...
Dude! is a summer adventure picture book by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Dan Santat. It follows the story of a platypus and a beaver who are friends and want to go surfing. However, they encounter a shark in the ocean who also wants to be friends. The story takes an unexpected turn as the shark approaches them.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Platypus
Shark
Beaver
Discussion points
What do you think 'Dude!' means in different parts of the story?
How did the characters' actions show their feelings, even though they only used one word?
Can you think of a time when you had a misunderstanding with someone, like in the book? What happened?
Why do you think the illustrator chose those images to tell the story?
How would the story change if we used another word instead of 'Dude!'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express different emotions by saying 'Dude!' in various tones and discuss how the meaning changes. Use a playful approach by mimicking scenes from the book, focusing on non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language. After reading, engage in an activity where you and your child come up with your own single-word stories, exploring how one word can convey different narratives and emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: Throughout 'Dude!', the characters demonstrate understanding and compassion towards each other's feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with kindness, helping them build stronger relationships with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: The value of cooperation
Explanation: The story shows characters working together to solve problems, highlighting how teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to collaborate with others in group activities at school or during play, teaching them the significance of teamwork.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book face various challenges but overcome them through persistence and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of not giving up when confronted with difficulties, whether it's completing a tough school assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Respect for differences
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of characters, each with their unique traits and perspectives, promoting respect and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value diversity and respect others' differences, which is crucial in fostering an inclusive environment at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Expressing and managing emotions
Explanation: The narrative provides situations where characters express their feelings openly and manage them effectively.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the healthy expression and management of emotions, aiding their emotional development and interactions with others.