Mulligan Man Finds His Purpose: A Mostly True Story
#1 of 2 in The Adventures of Mulligan Man, the Cavalier Puppy Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Mulligan Man is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, destined to be a show dog. Before his show ring career can begin, he experiences a tragic accident that prevents him from fulfilling his destiny. Accompanied by the support of his human and dog family members, Mulligan Man must confront his fears and discover a new purpose in life.
Discussion points
What do you think made Mulligan Man realize his purpose in the story?
How do you feel when you help others, similar to how Mulligan Man helped his friends?
What are some ways you can make a difference in your community like Mulligan Man?
Why is it important to have a purpose or goal? How does it change the way we act or feel?
If you were a character in the book, what would you do to help Mulligan Man find his purpose sooner?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voices for different characters to make the reading experience more lively and engaging.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene and explain why they chose it.
Connect the story to real-life by discussing family or community members who have strong purposes and how they achieve them.
Encourage your child to think about their own strengths and how they might use them to help others, drawing parallels with Mulligan Man.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, reinforcing their engagement and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Mulligan Man faces numerous challenges but continues to try until he succeeds, showing that persistence pays off.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Discovering personal purpose
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mulligan Man explores different paths to find his true calling, demonstrating the journey of self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore their interests and passions to find what truly motivates and excites them.
Example Lesson: Helping others
Explanation: Mulligan Man finds fulfillment in helping others, highlighting the joy and satisfaction that can come from altruism.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage in acts of kindness and to contribute positively to their community.
Example Lesson: The value of creativity
Explanation: The character uses creative solutions to solve problems, showcasing the effectiveness of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply creativity in problem-solving in everyday situations at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Building resilience
Explanation: Mulligan Man’s journey includes setbacks, yet he learns to overcome them, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that setbacks are part of life and learning to bounce back is crucial for long-term success.