Goosed!
What’s inside...
T.P. is Jeff's dog and enjoys the companionship until a new puppy named Mocha arrives. Given to Jeff by his friend Mandy, Mocha's energetic and inquisitive nature disrupts T.P.'s peaceful life. Amid constant reminders to be nice to Mocha, T.P. struggles to adapt to the changes. However, when Mocha faces danger and gets 'GOOSED,' T.P. must decide if he can rise to the occasion and help her despite his frustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the actions of the main character change the story?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's shoes?
How do you think the main character felt during the big challenge?
What did you learn from the character's mistakes or successes?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any character in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
Relate the book's themes or situations to your child’s own experiences to foster deeper understanding and empathy.
Discuss the character’s emotions and actions, and ask your child how they might feel or act in similar circumstances.
Highlight the consequences of the characters' decisions to teach lessons about cause and effect.
Praise your child’s responses and insights to encourage an ongoing interest in reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Goosed!', the main character, a dog named T.P., learns to work together with a cat named Goose to solve problems and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities and learning how to cooperate with peers in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Throughout the adventures in 'Goosed!', T.P. encounters situations that test his bravery, teaching him to face his fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying out a new activity, standing up in class, or dealing with a difficult situation at home.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Despite their differences, T.P. and Goose form a strong bond of friendship that helps them through their journey.
Real-World Application: This story helps children understand the importance of making and maintaining friendships, showing empathy and support for their friends in need.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters in 'Goosed!' often face challenges that require creative thinking and problem-solving abilities to navigate.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply critical thinking to their own challenges, enhancing their decisions-making skills in day-to-day life.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the story progresses, T.P. learns to adapt to new situations and the unexpected turns in their adventure.
Real-World Application: Children can mirror this adaptability in their lives when they encounter changes in school, family dynamics, or personal growth.