Max Spaniel: Dinosaur Hunt
#1 in Max Spaniel Series
What’s inside...
Bestselling illustrator David Catrow has written and illustrated an easy-to-read story about a hilarious hound dog named Max Spaniel. Max, a daffy hound dog, decides to embark on a dinosaur dig one day. However, what he believes to be dinosaur parts turns out to be random junk—or is it? As Max assembles his 'fossils', readers witness how the eclectic items he finds, including a football, a hockey stick, and an old boot, magically transform into a living dinosaur. The story, filled with visual humor, captures the fantastical thoughts of this imaginative and wacky hound, offering lots of laughs for new readers.
Discussion points
What do you think Max Spaniel would find if he went on a different kind of adventure?
How do you feel when Max finds something exciting? Can you describe it?
If you were Max, what tools would you use for your dinosaur hunt?
What kinds of dinosaurs do you think Max wants to find? Why?
How do you think the story would change if Max found a real dinosaur?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to think of their own adventure story, just like Max's. Discuss the emotions Max might feel during his hunt and relate them to experiences your child may have had. Use the book's illustrations to deepen the discussion, pointing out details that might not be immediately obvious. Lastly, connect the story to real-life concepts by discussing what tools they might need for an imagined adventure and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Max Spaniel demonstrates creative problem-solving skills as he embarks on a fantastical dinosaur hunt, using household items to create a playful adventure.
Real-World Application: Children can apply imaginative problem-solving by using everyday items in new and creative ways, boosting cognitive flexibility and inventiveness.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout his dinosaur hunting adventure, Max faces various challenges but does not give up. His persistence in continuing his quest portrays a valuable lesson in resilience.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to persist in their tasks or activities, even when they face difficulties, fostering a resilient mindset from a young age.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Play
Explanation: Max Spaniel's adventure is a vivid display of imaginative play, transforming his everyday surroundings into a thrilling dinosaur hunt.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in imaginative play, enhancing creativity and emotional expression, and providing a foundation for adaptive skills and better mental health.
Example Lesson: Joy in Learning
Explanation: Max shows a passionate engagement in his interests, which makes learning about dinosaurs fun and captivating for him.
Real-World Application: Children learn that engaging with subjects they love can be enjoyable and fulfilling, promoting a lifelong love for learning.