Mr Dog and the Rabbit Habit
Mr Dog Series
What’s inside...
A brand new young fiction series by TV broadcaster and intrepid explorer Ben Fogle, inspired by his real-life animal experiences. Co-written with best-selling children's author Steve Cole and illustrated throughout with beautiful black and white illustrations by Nikolas Ilic. In the series, the character Mr. Dog helps animals in trouble. When a mother rabbit is captured, Mr. Dog ends up playing bunny sitter. However, someone is trying to get rid of all the rabbits, and time is running out for Mr. Dog to save them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Mr. Dog learned from his adventure with the rabbits?
How did the rabbits' behavior change throughout the story, and why do you think that happened?
If you were Mr. Dog, how would you have handled the situation with the rabbits?
What are some ways Mr. Dog showed kindness to the rabbits?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and made a new friend, like Mr. Dog?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of the characters by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Draw parallels between the story and your child’s experiences, helping them connect personally with the book.
Use expressive reading to make the story come alive; different voices for each character can make the storytelling more engaging.
After reading, collaborate with your child to draw a scene from the book, focusing on how teamwork, like that shown by Mr. Dog and the rabbits, can be rewarding.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding, highlighting how Mr. Dog’s perspective changes as he gets to know the rabbits.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Mr Dog and the Rabbit Habit,' the protagonist, Mr. Dog, takes it upon himself to look after a group of rabbits. His actions exemplify taking responsibility for others' welfare.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, like caring for a pet or helping with household chores, fostering a sense of accountability.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Mr. Dog shows great empathy towards the rabbits’ situation. This demonstration of understanding and compassion towards others’ feelings and experiences is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to understand and consider others' feelings, which can improve their relationships with family and friends, promoting a more empathetic society.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mr. Dog faces various challenges and finds creative solutions to help his new friends, the rabbits. His approach teaches children the importance of critical thinking and creativity in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when they encounter obstacles, using their initiative to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Mr. Dog collaborates with the rabbits to overcome challenges, showing that teamwork can achieve outcomes that might not be possible alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating and working with others to reach common goals, helping them in school projects and team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing various dangers, Mr. Dog exemplifies courage throughout the story. His bravery in protecting the rabbits from threats teaches children about the importance of courage in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, even when it seems challenging.