Just Gus
What’s inside...
Do you have a silly nickname for your pet? How about many silly nicknames? Then this book is for you! A fun, rhyming, feel-good story about a corgi and all the names he goes by. But really, it's Just Gus. Gus is a fun-loving, curious corgi who has tons of friends and lots of energy. His name is Gus so why is his mama calling him so many silly things?! Read aloud all his funny nicknames and see how much he’s loved. Written by a mother daughter duo and illustrated by US Illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Gus felt when he was trying to find his special talent?
What do you think it means to be special or unique, like Gus?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something new about yourself, like Gus did?
Why is it important to keep trying, even when things seem difficult?
How did Gus' friends help him in finding his talent? How do your friends help you?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, maintain eye contact and show genuine interest in your child's responses to build their confidence.
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Gus' journey, enhancing their empathy and self-awareness.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw or act out their favorite scene. This can help deepen their understanding and recall of the story.
Use follow-up questions to extend the conversation, such as 'What would you have done differently if you were Gus?' or 'What other talents do you think Gus might have?'
Praise your child's insights and thoughts during the discussion to encourage a positive and open conversation environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: In 'Just Gus', Gus is introduced to new classmates who are different from him, teaching him to embrace and celebrate these differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity and show respect to peers who may not look, speak, or act as they do.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: Gus tackles his fear of water by gradually learning to swim throughout the book. His journey conveys the importance of confronting and overcoming personal fears.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face challenges, whether it’s trying a new activity or standing up for themselves, fostering bravery in familiar and new situations.
Example Lesson: Value of Persistence
Explanation: Gus consistently practices swimming despite initial setbacks, illustrating the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up even when faced with difficulties, enhancing resilience in learning and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Gus takes care of his classroom’s pet, which teaches him responsibility and the importance of caring for others.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take on duties at home or school, understanding the role of responsibility in daily life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Friendship
Explanation: Gus learns to understand and share the feelings of his classmates, fostering connections and displaying empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting their friends emotionally, promoting a caring and inclusive environment.