Mum, The Dog's Drunk Again
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
This new Gez Walsh offering is crammed full of the sort of poems Gez is famous for: you can almost smell the cheesy whiff of 'Pete's Feet', taste the crunchy 'Toenail Teacake', breathe in the evil stench from Bravefart's behind, and feel the pain as the fiery curry cooked by Ahmed's granny to defeat the aliens in 'Vindaloo, the Alien-Slayer' hisses and roars its way from throat to bum! As usual, in Gez's world, the kids have more idea than the adults, but are puzzled by the illogical acts of their parents, sisters and brothers. With the usual hilarious results. Not to mention wonky trolleys, lumpy milk, bad teeth, and Freda the fat wood-fairy. In common with his other books in the series, the collection ends with a single serious poem, this time about the effects of grief and the way in which the strong character of Grandma helps the child overcome it. If you're looking for big, bold, in-your-face humour coupled with strange characters and stories, then Mum, the Dog's Drunk Again! is worth every penny and more!
Discussion points
What do you think the dog might have eaten to feel so funny?
How did the characters react to the dog's behavior?
What would you do if you found our pet acting strangely?
Why is it important to take care of pets and make sure they are safe?
How do you think the story would change if it was a different animal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Keep the conversation light and humorous to match the tone of the book. This can make discussing the book more enjoyable for both you and your child.
Ask your child to imagine and describe what they would do in a similar situation, which helps develop empathy and problem-solving skills.
Encourage your child to talk about their own experiences with pets, or if they don’t have one, what pet they would like and how they would care for it.
Discuss the responsibilities of pet ownership to enhance their understanding of care and commitment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: The book humorously shows what happens when the dog accidentally consumes alcohol left unattended, highlighting the result of careless behavior.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of being responsible and cautious with their actions to avoid unintended consequences in daily life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and caring for others
Explanation: The story portrays the family's concern and care for the dog's well-being after the incident, demonstrating empathetic behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize distress in pets and others, fostering a nurturing attitude toward animals and people around them.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The family comes together to help the dog and prevent future incidents, showing teamwork and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and collaborate when faced with challenges, valuable skills in school and beyond.