My Dog is a Carrot
on Goodreads (102)
What’s inside...
Fans of the silly and outlandish will laugh out loud at this offbeat collection of poems, mischievously illustrated by the poet himself. The collection features quirky characters including a carrot dog, an organic leek with linguistic skills, a shocked octopus, and a boy with an imaginative take on his TV. These poems are surprising, serious, and sometimes just plain strange, offering a unique reading experience that even your dog would appreciate.
Age
6-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like if your pet was a carrot? How would you take care of it?
Why do you think the author chose a carrot as a pet? What makes it funny or interesting?
Can you think of other silly combinations of animals and objects? What are they and what would they do?
How did the book make you feel when you read about the carrot being a pet? Were you surprised, amused, or confused?
If you could write a story about an unusual pet, what would it be and what adventures would they have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation with a light-hearted tone to match the whimsical nature of the book. Use your child's responses as a guide to explore more about their understanding and imagination. Encourage them to visualize and describe their ideas vividly, which enhances creativity. Validate their thoughts and feelings about the story to make them feel valued. Lastly, connect the discussion to broader life lessons, such as accepting differences or being open to new ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Imagination
Explanation: In ‘My Dog is a Carrot’, the whimsical idea of a dog as a carrot ignites the imagination, showing children the joy of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination to solve problems creatively, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and ability to adapt to new situations.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Humor
Explanation: The absurdity of the title and the playful narrative style introduce children to the concept of humor in literature.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop a sense of humor, which can be a vital social skill and a way to cope with challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding Metaphors
Explanation: By presenting a dog metaphorically as a carrot, the book provides a foundational understanding of figurative language.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge in their language arts classes and everyday conversations, enhancing their communication skills.
Example Lesson: Valuing Uniqueness
Explanation: The unique and silly idea of a dog being a carrot teaches children to appreciate differences and recognize that being different is interesting and valuable.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children accept and celebrate individual differences in their peers, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Exploring Non-Traditional Ideas
Explanation: The book challenges conventional ideas, encouraging children to think outside the box.
Real-World Application: This empowers children to explore unconventional solutions and ideas, fostering innovative thinking in everyday life.