Good Dog Lion (Little Gems)
#3 of 15 in Little gems Series
What’s inside...
A beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy named Timo and his yearning for a pet dog. Despite having little money, Timo finds joy in the simple things like his mother's love, their little house, and the supportive community around them. Although Timo and his mother have almost none, he still longs for one more thing to complete his happiness: a dog. Written by internationally bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith, 'Good Dog Lion' is a touching tale that highlights the importance of love and contentment.
Character compass
Timo
Lion
Timo'S Father
Discussion points
What do you think made Lion a good dog?
How did Timo's opinion of Lion change throughout the story?
Why is trust important between friends, like Timo and Lion?
What would you have done if you were in Timo's place when he found Lion?
How do you think the village felt about Lion at the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a warm and open environment for discussion by relating themes from 'Good Dog Lion' to your child’s own experiences. Encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts about the characters' decisions and actions. Highlight the importance of themes like trust, courage, and friendship by sharing personal anecdotes that mirror these values. Use the questions to guide a reflective conversation, encouraging critical thinking and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Good Dog Lion', the protagonist Timo forms a heartfelt bond with a dog named Lion, showcasing loyalty and companionship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of making friends and supporting them through ups and downs, helping them to build healthy relationships in their life.
Example Lesson: The virtue of kindness
Explanation: Timo displays kindness by taking care of Lion despite the challenges he faces, which highlights the positive impact of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to act kindly towards others, fostering a more empathetic and understanding generation.
Example Lesson: The significance of honesty
Explanation: When faced with difficulties, Timo's choice to remain truthful helps him navigate his problems, emphasizing honesty’s role in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value honesty in their actions and words, helping them develop trust in their relationships and a clear conscience.
Example Lesson: Courage facing adversity
Explanation: Various challenges are presented to Timo, who bravely confronts them, showing children the importance of courage and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to tackle their own challenges confidently and persistently.