Madeline Finn and the Library Dog
#1 in Madeline Finn Series
on Goodreads (2,000)
What’s inside...
Madeline Finn DOES NOT like to read. Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream truck. Fortunately, Madeline Finn meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading out loud to Bonnie isn't so bad. When Madeline Finn gets stuck, Bonnie doesn't mind. Madeline Finn can pet her until she figures the word out. As it turns out, it's fun to read when you're not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline Finn that it's okay to go slow. And to keep trying. And to get support from a friend. A delightfully warm, encouraging story of a young girl and the special library dog who helps her develop patience, acceptance, and confidence as she learns to read, from award-winning author-illustrator Lisa Papp.
Character compass
Madeline Finn
Bonnie
Mrs. Dimple
Discussion points
How do you think Madeline Finn felt when she met the library dog, and why?
What do you think makes the library dog special for Madeline?
Why do you think reading to the library dog helped Madeline with her reading?
How did Madeline change from the beginning of the book to the end?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Madeline, and something or someone helped you feel better?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deeper connection with the themes of the book, encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Madeline's story. Ask them about times they've felt similar emotions, and discuss how they overcame challenges. Praise your child’s insights and relate them back to the book’s messages of perseverance and the joy of reading. Remember to maintain a warm and optimistic tone to make this a comforting and encouraging experience for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear and building confidence
Explanation: Madeline Finn, who struggles with reading, learns to overcome her fear of making mistakes in front of others with the help of a patient and non-judgmental library dog. The dog provides a comforting presence that helps her build confidence in her reading abilities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that it’s okay to be imperfect and that practicing in a supportive environment can help them overcome their fears and improve their skills.
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the library dog showing unconditional acceptance and patience, teaching children the value of empathy. Madeline Finn's initial frustration and subsequent improvement demonstrate how understanding from others can lead to personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn to show empathy to peers who may have difficulties in certain areas, encouraging a supportive and inclusive atmosphere in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: As Madeline Finn continues to read with the library dog despite initial difficulties, she exemplifies perseverance. Her dedication to improving her reading skills, motivated by the supportive presence of the dog, shows the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist in their endeavors, be it academics or any other field, despite challenges, fostering resilience and a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: The joy of reading
Explanation: Through her interactions with the library dog, Madeline Finn discovers the joy and comfort that reading can bring, transforming it from a task into a delightful experience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore reading not just as an educational tool but also as a source of pleasure and a way to stimulate imagination and creativity.