Paris-Chien: Adventures of an Expat Dog
#1 of 3 in Paris-Chien Adventure series
on Goodreads (99)
What’s inside...
When Hudson, an adventurous Norwich Terrier, moves to Paris, he is excited about the new sights and smells. However, he faces a challenge when he discovers that Parisian dogs only speak French. Despite feeling initially disheartened, Hudson's strong desire to make friends and adapt to his new environment motivates him to learn the language. He becomes a Paris-Chien, embracing his new identity in the city. This heartwarming story is brought to life with beautiful gouache illustrations of Paris, and even incorporates French words, providing a cultural and educational experience. 'Paris-Chien' will resonate with any child experiencing a new environment, whether it's a new country, city, or school.
Discussion points
How do you think Hudson felt when he moved to Paris and couldn't understand the other dogs?
What are some ways Hudson tried to fit in and make new friends in Paris?
Can you think of a time when you were in a new place or situation? How did you feel, and what helped you adjust?
Why do you think it's important to learn new things and meet new people, like Hudson did?
What would you do if you met someone who was struggling to fit in like Hudson?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore feelings of empathy by asking how they might feel in Hudson's shoes and exploring those emotions together.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and adaptability by discussing Hudson's efforts to learn a new language and make friends.
Relate the book's themes to your child’s experiences by discussing any personal instances where they faced challenges in new environments.
Foster an openness to diversity by talking about how Hudson's story shows the beauty of exploring new cultures and friendships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adapting to change
Explanation: The story follows a dog named Paris-Chien navigating life in a new city. The dog experiences the challenges and excitement of adapting to unfamiliar surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being open to new experiences and flexible in changing situations, skills that are valuable in school and social settings.
Example Lesson: Learning new languages
Explanation: Paris-Chien moves to Paris and learns to understand and speak French, showcasing the process of language acquisition.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to take an interest in learning new languages, enhancing their communication skills and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Building new friendships
Explanation: As Paris-Chien explores the city, he meets new friends and learns the value of friendship despite initial challenges.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be sociable and make new friends, especially in new environments, helping them develop their social skills.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural differences
Explanation: Paris-Chien experiences various aspects of Parisian culture, highlighting the beauty of cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and respect different cultures, fostering a global mindset from an early age.
Example Lesson: Overcoming challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, Paris-Chien encounters and overcomes various obstacles, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and problem-solving in difficult situations, applicable in academics and personal life.