Ellie The Homesick Puppy
#3 of 70 in Animal Stories Series
on Goodreads (422)
What’s inside...
Megan is thrilled about moving to a new house in the countryside, where she looks forward to taking her Golden Labrador, Ellie, on walks. However, her parents think Ellie will be disruptive during the move, so they decide she should stay with Megan's grandmother. Megan and Ellie have never been separated before, and they both struggle with the distance. Megan misses Ellie deeply, and Ellie is determined to find her way back to Megan. Meanwhile, the book 'Lost in the Snow', which also features an animal story, was a best-seller during Christmas 06/07, selling over 115,000 copies. Other titles by Holly Webb, such as 'Harry the Homeless Puppy' and 'Buttons the Runaway Puppy', continue to perform well in sales.
Character compass
Megan
Ellie
Sarah
Discussion points
How do you think Ellie felt when she realized she was lost?
What would you do if you were in Ellie’s position?
Can you think of a time when you felt homesick? How did you cope with it?
Why is it important to have someone who cares for us like Megan cared for Ellie?
How did Ellie’s journey make you feel and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show empathy by relating to Ellie’s emotions. Share a personal story of a time when you felt lost or homesick.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think Ellie felt during different parts of the story and why.
Use open-ended questions that encourage more than yes or no answers to facilitate deeper conversation.
Before starting each reading session, remind your child about the chapter previously read to build continuity and understanding of the story.
Praise your child for insightful answers and contributions to the discussion to encourage their continued engagement and interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Throughout the story, Ellie's distress from feeling homesick showcases the importance of empathy. Characters in the book demonstrate understanding and care towards Ellie's feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and offer support, mirroring the behavior of characters who help Ellie feel better.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: Ellie the puppy faces significant changes when she moves to a new home. Her journey to adapt and eventually find comfort teaches the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this when facing their own changes, such as moving to a new school or meeting new friends. It teaches them that adjustment is a part of life and it's possible to find happiness in new circumstances.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: When Ellie feels homesick, she attempts various methods to feel better and finally succeeds in adjusting to her new environment. This illustrates effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to handle their own problems by trying different solutions and learning from what does or does not work, just like Ellie.
Example Lesson: Importance of Patience
Explanation: The new owners show patience as Ellie adjusts to her new home, demonstrating that good things often take time.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that immediate results are not always possible and that patience is crucial during transitional periods or when facing new challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of Supportive Relationships
Explanation: The support Ellie receives from her new family plays a crucial role in her adaptation process, highlighting how important a supportive network is in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can see the importance of supporting others and seeking support when needed to navigate difficult situations in life.