Good Dogs in Bad Sweaters
#3 of 6 in Good dog, bad dog Series
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
Holiday mischief abounds in this third book in the middle-grade series that feels like The Secret Life of Pets meets Toy Story. The doggy day care friends are excited about the holidays, with King, Cleo, and Napoleon looking forward to Hanukkah prezzies, and Hugo, Waffles, and Lulu ready for cozy Christmases at home. However, surprise visitors, agility contest struggles, and the mystery of Santadoodle disrupt their plans. Hugo rallies his friends for their biggest mission yet to ensure no one is disappointed, showcasing that these Good Dogs are always up for an adventure.
Discussion points
What did you think about the sweaters the dogs were wearing? How did the sweaters make the dogs feel?
Which dog's story did you like the most and why?
How do you think the dogs helped each other overcome embarrassing moments?
If you could design a sweater for a dog, what would it look like and why?
What can we learn from the way the dogs treated each other, regardless of how they looked in their sweaters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each dog’s story, ask your child to predict what might happen based on the illustrations.
Celebrate the imaginative aspect of the book by encouraging your child to draw their favorite scene or character.
Discuss the emotions displayed by the dogs, connecting them to emotions your child might feel in similar situations.
Use the theme of friendship in the book to talk about the importance of supporting friends, just like the dogs support each other.
Encourage your child to think about personal experiences where they felt uncomfortable or out of place and relate it to how the dogs might have felt in their sweaters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The story showcases a variety of dogs wearing quirky sweaters, teaching children that appearances do not define worth.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and accept the differences in people they meet, understanding that everyone's unique traits make them special.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the dogs in the story express feelings about their sweaters, children learn to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop the ability to empathize with their peers, fostering kinder and more understanding interactions.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: Despite wearing 'bad' sweaters, the dogs carry themselves with pride, demonstrating self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to feel confident in their own choices and appearances, boosting their self-esteem and resilience.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The diverse and imaginative designs of the sweaters in the book highlight the value of creativity and self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to express themselves creatively in their projects and daily activities, enhancing their problem-solving skills and imagination.