Marley Goes to School
Marley Picture Books Series
What’s inside...
It's the first day of school, and Cassie is all set to go. So is her dog, Marley! Although he's told to stay, Marley digs a tunnel out of the backyard and sniffs his way to school. As he roams the halls looking for Cassie, he finds trouble instead. From wolfing down hot dogs in the cafeteria to setting free a bunch of mice in science class, Marley won't stop until he locates his best friend. This lovable and rowdy dog may not be much of an academic, but he's full of school spirit! Packed with action and hilarious Marley bad-boy antics, this follow-up to the bestselling Bad Dog, Marley! and A Very Marley Christmas will leave readers howling for more. Awooo!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Marley's behavior at school make you feel? Why do you think he acted that way?
What would you do if you were in Cassie's place at school with Marley?
How do the other characters in the story react to Marley's actions? What does that tell us about them?
What lessons do you think Marley learned by the end of the day?
If Marley were to go back to school again, what do you think he should do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions and thoughts about Marley's actions by relating it to their own experiences in school or with pets.
Discuss the importance of rules and listening in school, drawing parallels between Marley's school day and your child’s daily routines.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the story based on different choices Marley or Cassie could have made.
Use the characters' reactions to Marley's antics as a way to discuss empathy and understanding towards others.
Highlight the consequences of Marley’s actions and engage your child in a conversation about responsibility and learning from mistakes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing New Experiences
Explanation: Marley's enthusiasm for going to school with Cassie showcases the joys of trying new things.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to approach school and other new environments with excitement rather than fear.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Following Rules
Explanation: Throughout the book, Marley struggles but learns the importance of following school rules, which helps maintain order.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that rules are in place for their safety and to enhance cooperation and respect among peers.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Social Skills
Explanation: Marley interacts with other dogs and children, demonstrating the value of making friends and being sociable.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of building and maintaining friendships and cooperating with others.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Mistakes
Explanation: Marley causes chaos in the classroom but learns from these mishaps, showing that mistakes are part of learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to accept their mistakes, learn from them, and understand that they are a natural part of learning.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the challenges, Marley perseveres through his day at school, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to keep trying and persisting, even when faced with difficulties or when things don’t go as planned.