Hello Goodbye Dog
What’s inside...
For Zara's dog, Moose, nothing is more important than being with her favorite girl. So when Zara has to go to school, WHOOSH, Moose escapes and rushes to her side. Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed at school and Moose has to go back home. But Moose can't be held back for long. Through a series of escalating escapes, this loyal dog always finds her way back to Zara, and with a little bit of training and one great idea, the two friends find a way to be together all day long.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zara
Moose
Discussion points
Why do you think Moose the dog keeps coming back to school?
How does Zara feel when Moose visits her at school? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some ways Zara tries to solve the problem of Moose's school visits?
Why is it important that Moose gets trained to be a therapy dog?
How do the other students react to Moose, and what does that teach us about inclusivity and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their personal experiences with pets or school.
Discuss the importance of problem-solving and teamwork, as shown through Zara’s efforts to find a solution for Moose.
Highlight the concept of inclusivity by talking about how Moose was welcomed into the school community once he became a therapy dog.
Ask your child to imagine what it would be like to have their pet at school and explore the fun or challenges that might bring.
Praise your child’s responses to nurture a positive and open discussion environment, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The story portrays the deep bond between the main character, a child using a wheelchair, and her dog, who persistently shows up at school to be with her.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of nurturing relationships and being there for friends in need.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity and diversity
Explanation: The book features a diverse set of characters, including a protagonist with a disability, promoting an understanding and acceptance of differing abilities and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inclusive and respectful towards peers who might look or behave differently from themselves.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together to find a suitable role for the dog at school rather than simply banning him, highlighting proactive problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think creatively in resolving conflicts and embracing solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story demonstrates responsible pet ownership and the duties involved in caring for another living being.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to take responsibility seriously, whether it’s looking after a pet or carrying out household chores.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book showcases how the characters empathize with the child’s need for her dog’s company, thereby fostering a compassionate environment.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the feelings of others and respond with kindness and empathy.