Lucas
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
A young man and his dog become lost in the rugged snow-covered landscape of Nova Scotia, but just when it looks like they will not survive, Lucas, the dog, finds the way home. The book also describes the various careers in a school system, including those of teacher, dietician, counselor, speech therapist, school board member, teacher aide, custodian, bus driver, and others.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Lucas felt when he faced his challenges?
How would you solve a problem similar to what Lucas encountered?
What did you learn about friendship from this story?
Can you think of a time when you were brave like Lucas?
What would you do if you met a character like Lucas in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions and thoughts about Lucas’s adventures, fostering a deeper understanding of the character’s feelings.
Relate the challenges faced by Lucas to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork as portrayed in the book, to instill values of cooperation and empathy.
Highlight instances of bravery and resilience in the story to inspire your child to adopt these qualities in their own life.
Use imaginative questions like what they would do if they met Lucas to cultivate creativity and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Lucas', the protagonist experiences challenges that teach him to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by acknowledging their friends' feelings and perspectives, helping foster a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Lucas encounters several obstacles in the story but he learns the value of persisting despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of resilience in achieving goals, whether it be in school tasks or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lucas interacts with characters from different backgrounds, learning to appreciate and respect their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate diverse cultures and viewpoints in their communities.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Lucas uses critical thinking and creativity to navigate the challenges he faces, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can adopt these strategies to approach their own challenges logically and creatively, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how Lucas' friends play a crucial role in his journey, showing the strength of friendships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to build and maintain strong friendships, understanding the mutual support friends can offer.