on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
This popular series describes the history, biology, habits, and required care for dogs of all types, including mutts. It covers topics such as training and breeding, and provides details on caring for different breeds from poodles to golden retrievers. The books feature bolded glossary words, a full index, large print, colorful layouts, charts, and fascinating photos, making them ideal for research reports and general reading.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes each of the mutts in the book special?
How did the characters' differences help them in their adventures?
If you could be friends with one of the mutts, which one would you choose and why?
What did you learn about how the mutts worked together?
How do you think the story would change if there were no mutts, just regular dogs?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story and its characters, which helps them develop empathy and a deeper understanding of diversity. Ask them to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to foster creativity. Relate the mutts' experiences to real-life situations to make the story more relevant and engaging for them. Reinforce the moral lessons by discussing real-life applications of teamwork and acceptance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Mutts showcases the emotional bond between animals, teaching children the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by being considerate and kind to their peers and pets, understanding that everyone has emotions that need to be respected.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The book highlights the duties involved in caring for pets, emphasizing the consistency and commitment required to look after another living being.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, such as feeding a pet or helping with chores, which helps them understand the importance of reliability and diligence.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Through the interactions between the characters, Mutts teaches that friendship is about support, loyalty, and shared joy.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to build strong, supportive relationships with their peers, promoting cooperative play and mutual respect in social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The characters in Mutts often face obstacles but work together to overcome them, providing a model of perseverance and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their own challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to find solutions, building their confidence and adaptability.
Example Lesson: Respect for All Creatures
Explanation: Mutts portrays animals and humans with equal importance, encouraging respect for life in all its forms.
Real-World Application: This can translate into children practicing kindness and respect towards both animals and people, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate worldview.