Harry by the Sea
Harry the Dirty Dog Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (2,080)
What’s inside...
The story follows Harry, a lovable white dog with black spots, who goes to the beach with his family. While there, Harry gets separated from his family and has a series of misadventures as he tries to find them. Covered in seaweed, he is mistaken for a sea monster, causing panic on the beach. But in the end, Harry is happily reunited with his family. Additionally, the book is used and in good condition, although due to its age it may show normal signs of wear.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Harry felt when he was lost? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why do you think the lady with the big hat screamed when she saw Harry?
How did the family help Harry find his way back?
What is your favorite part of the beach and why?
If you were Harry, what would you have done differently during your adventure by the sea?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a cozy reading spot and use different voices for the characters to make the story come alive.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene from the book. Discuss what they drew and why they chose that scene.
Encourage your child to talk about a time they felt lost and how they found their way, relating it to Harry’s experience.
Link the story to personal experiences by planning a family trip to the beach and discussing what adventures you might have, just like Harry.
Discuss the importance of staying close to family in crowded places, taking cues from Harry’s adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing feelings of isolation
Explanation: In 'Harry by the Sea', Harry feels lost and isolated when he gets separated from his family on a crowded beach. The story explores his emotions as he navigates this challenging situation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their own feelings of loneliness or confusion and understand that these feelings can be managed by seeking help from trusted individuals.
Example Lesson: Importance of problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Harry encounters various obstacles and uses his problem-solving skills to overcome them, ultimately reuniting with his family.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving strategies in their daily challenges, whether in school or in interpersonal relationships, enhancing their resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Harry does not give up despite the difficulties he faces when trying to find his family. His perseverance is a key factor in his success.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to persist through difficulties in their own lives, understanding that patience and persistence often lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Learning about family bonds
Explanation: The reunion of Harry with his family highlights the joy and relief of finding loved ones, emphasizing the strength of family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of family and the emotional security that family relationships provide.