Mitzi: Tale of a Dog
What’s inside...
Mitzi is an 18-year-old dog who recounts her adventurous life in this heartwarming tale, written by Dennis West, the man who rescued her, and illustrated by Glenn D Woodrome. After being rescued from a miserable life, Mitzi quickly learned to obey her new owner, a former U.S. Air Force K-9 handler. She displayed her protective instincts when a burglar attempted to break into her home, resulting in his arrest. As she grew older, Mitzi and her owner, now an actor, appeared in a play and enjoyed countryside rides. Mitzi later welcomed a new family member, Carolyn, and moved to New Mexico where she enjoys scenic rides. Despite her advanced age and health issues, Mitzi continues to be a beloved and protective family member.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mitzi felt when she went on her adventures? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What do you think is the most important thing Mitzi learned during her story?
If you were Mitzi, what would you have done differently in the story?
Why do you think the other characters reacted the way they did to Mitzi's actions?
How did the story of Mitzi change your thoughts about friendship and loyalty?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Mitzi's adventures, fostering deeper connections with the story.
Discuss the moral lessons in the book, emphasizing the values of friendship, courage, and loyalty.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists, encouraging creative thinking.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to make the story more engaging and lively.
Inquire about their favorite character and why, prompting them to think more critically about character traits and behaviors.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Through the story of Mitzi, a dog who interacts with various characters, children learn about understanding and feeling the emotions of others.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson to better understand their friends' and family members' feelings and respond with kindness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Caring for Mitzi teaches characters in the book about the responsibilities involved in looking after another living being.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to taking care of their own pets or helping out with chores at home, learning the importance of responsibility.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Mitzi forms strong bonds with other characters, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to forge and cherish friendships in school and in their neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Adversity
Explanation: Mitzi faces challenges throughout the book, providing a platform to discuss resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to face their own challenges, whether at school or in personal endeavors, with a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: Mitzi's interactions often involve sharing and acts of kindness, reinforcing the benefits of generosity.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to share their belongings, time, and effort with others, fostering a more cooperative environment among peers and family.