It's About Dogs
What’s inside...
This book celebrates the essence of dogs through poems and paintings, featuring the perspectives of various dogs like Shadow, Rufus, and Mutterly. It explores the many facets of dogs that captivate us, from their humor and charm to their loyalty and love. The book includes 43 poems and illustrations of more than 40 dog breeds, revealing why dogs are considered a child's best friend.
Discussion points
What was your favorite dog in the book and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think the dogs feel when they are playing or helping their owners?
If you could be any dog from the book, which one would you choose and what would you do?
What have you learned about how we should treat dogs and other animals?
Can you think of a story where you and a dog go on an adventure together? What happens?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the dogs in the story, enhancing the child's understanding of the narrative.
Encourage your child to describe the illustrations, fostering their observation skills and helping them connect visual clues to the story.
After reading, spend some time discussing the various roles dogs can play in the lives of humans, linking it to empathy and care.
Connect the book's themes to real-life by sharing stories of dogs in your community or family.
Invite your child to imagine having a pet dog, discussing the responsibilities and joys it would bring, to enhance their comprehension and anticipation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through the protagonist's journey of adopting and caring for a dog, children learn about the responsibilities involved in taking care of another living being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping with pets at home or taking on small household chores, learning accountability and care.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist learning to understand and respond to the dog's needs and emotions, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to pay attention to the feelings and needs of others around them, fostering compassionate relationships.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: As the protagonist overcomes initial fears of handling a large dog, the book conveys the message that fears can be conquered with patience and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for children facing new or intimidating situations at school or in social settings, teaching them courage and resilience.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The evolving bond between the dog and the protagonist illustrates the development of friendship, emphasizing trust and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, which is essential for social development and emotional support.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, challenges arise in training and taking care of the dog, but persistent efforts lead to a rewarding relationship, teaching perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in the face of academic, personal, or extracurricular difficulties.