Ghost Dog
Young Hippo Spooky Series
What’s inside...
Kim has always desired to have a dog, and her wish is fulfilled when she relocates to the countryside and encounters Rex, who is not only big and cuddly but also serves as a great guardian. However, Rex has a unique twist - he's a ghost. In another scenario, Kim's parents don't allow her to have a dog, but she befriends an invisible dog that visits her one night. Eventually, when Kim gets an actual puppy, she enjoys having both a ghostly companion and a real-life pet, giving her the best of both dog worlds.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the Ghost Dog such a special character in the story?
How did the relationship between the children and the Ghost Dog change throughout the book?
What would you do if you met a ghostly creature like the Ghost Dog?
How do you think the Ghost Dog felt when it was helping the children?
What is the most important lesson you learned from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own version of a ghostly pet, fostering creativity.
Discuss the emotions depicted in the story, asking how certain events might make the characters feel and why, enhancing empathy skills.
Relate the story's themes to real-life experiences, such as friendship and overcoming fears, to make the conversation more relatable.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the story continued, which can help develop their analytical skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Ghost Dog', as the protagonist learns about the ghost dog’s past experiences, they develop a deeper sense of empathy and understanding towards the dog.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to consider the feelings and past experiences of others before making judgments, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment among peers.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how the protagonist and the ghost dog form a strong, supportive bond despite initial fears and misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building friendships and supporting each other, even with those who might seem different at first.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist overcomes their initial fear of the ghost dog to help and befriend it, demonstrating courage and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears and challenges in life, understanding that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite it.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist encounters various challenges and learns to devise creative solutions to help the ghost dog.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to think critically and solve problems in creative ways, whether at school or in personal situations.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of loss and coping with grief
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the protagonist learns to accept the ghost dog's mysterious presence and story, which is rooted in loss.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and accept the concept of loss and bereavement, encouraging them to speak about their feelings and seek support when needed.