Flawed Dogs: The Novel: The Shocking Raid on Westminster
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What’s inside...
Pulitzer Prize-winning Berkeley Breathed's first illustrated novel tells the heartwarming and humorous story of Sam the Lion, a priceless dachshund bred to be a show dog, and his best friend Heidy. After being framed by the jealous poodle Cassius and cast out by Heidy's uncle, Sam navigates the rough streets with a soup ladle for a leg. Alongside other abandoned dogs, he journeys to the Westminster Dog Show, where his plans for revenge take an unexpected turn upon reuniting with Heidy after years apart. This novel is an ode to the unconditional and lasting love between pets and their owners.
Age
3-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sam The Lion
Heidy StrüDel
Cassius
Discussion points
What do you think made Sam the lion so loyal to Heidy?
How do you feel about the way the other dogs treated Sam at the dog show?
What do you think the story teaches us about how we treat animals and each other?
Why is it important to look beyond someone's appearance and find out who they really are?
If you were in Heidy's place, how would you handle the situation with Sam and Cassius?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes of loyalty and acceptance. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts by asking them to relate the situations in the story to their own experiences. Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing the characters' perspectives. Lastly, reinforce the lessons learned by asking your child how they can apply them in their daily interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, Sam the dachshund, faces numerous challenges but continually strives to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of not giving up despite difficulties, fostering a strong will and determination in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sam shows compassion towards other characters, teaching children the importance of understanding and caring for others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be mindful of the feelings of others and to exhibit kindness in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The impact of loyalty
Explanation: Sam’s loyalty to his friend and other characters underscores the importance of being faithful and trustworthy to those you care about.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of loyalty in friendships, helping them build and maintain trustful relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of overcoming adversity
Explanation: The book showcases various characters overcoming personal setbacks, emphasizing the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that facing challenges is a part of life, and overcoming them is possible through persistence and courage.
Example Lesson: Judging by character, not appearance
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to look beyond appearances to appreciate the qualities of others, including those initially perceived as flawed.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value others based on their actions and character rather than their outward appearance.