My First Puppy (My First...)
Young Hippo Series
on Goodreads (20)
What’s inside...
William has longed for a puppy of his very own for as long as he can remember. He dreams of a puppy to care for, to take for walks and to share adventures with - a puppy to be his very best friend in the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-13
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important things to do when taking care of a puppy?
How did the story make you feel when the puppy was happy/sad?
If you had a puppy, what would you name it and why?
What are some ways we can show love and care to animals?
How do you think the puppy felt when it met its new family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by relating it to their own experiences with pets or desires to have one.
Discuss the responsibilities involved in caring for a pet, using examples from the book to highlight the daily tasks.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out emotions and actions of the puppy, asking your child to interpret what they see.
Invite your child to imagine future scenarios with the puppy, fostering creative thinking and empathy.
Praise your child's responses and insights to boost their confidence in expressing themselves and their understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story demonstrates responsibility through the child’s daily tasks of feeding, walking, and caring for their puppy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking on small responsibilities at home, like tidying up toys or helping to set the table.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The narrative shows empathy by portraying the child’s understanding and responding to the puppy’s needs and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respond to the feelings and needs of others, fostering empathy towards friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The book highlights patience in training the puppy and dealing with its mistakes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of patience in learning new skills or when dealing with others.
Example Lesson: Companionship
Explanation: It explores the theme of companionship by showing the bond that develops between the child and the puppy.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of friendship and being a supportive companion in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Caring for Animals
Explanation: The book educates on the basic needs of pets and the proper way to care for them.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children translate these caring behaviors towards proper treatment and respect for animals in their environment.