Raymond
on Goodreads (93)
What’s inside...
This is the story of Raymond - an ordinary dog who, for a while, lives an extraordinary life. What if dogs could walk and talk and go to work? Well, Raymond the dog has big ambitions beyond his ordinary, canine life in the big city. He wants to take himself for a walk and get his own dinner. And when he's done all that? Well, he wants a job, just like his owners. But when Raymond begins a high-flying journalism career at Dogue magazine, he soon realizes it's no walk in the park. With a stylish limited palette and incredible visual humor, children and adults alike will fall in love with Raymond and his laugh-out-loud antics in this absurdly original - yet highly relatable - world.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Raymond
Discussion points
What do you think Raymond feels when he's at work compared to when he's at home?
What differences do you notice in the way Raymond is treated by others as a dog and as a human?
How do you think the story would change if Raymond decided to stay a human?
Why do you think Raymond chooses to return to his life as a dog in the end?
What can we learn from Raymond about being ourselves?
Tip: Role play these questions
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by asking them to compare a day in their life to a day in Raymond’s life.
Discuss the importance of identity and being true to oneself, as demonstrated by Raymond's journey.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the story’s illustrations, fostering a deeper understanding of the visual storytelling.
Use differences shown in the book to teach empathy and understanding towards others who might seem different outwardly.
Highlight the humorous elements in the book to keep the conversation light-hearted and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy
Explanation: Raymond learns to understand and share the feelings of others, helping him connect with friends and family.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by acknowledging their peers' emotions and offering comfort or help in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Raymond faces various challenges but learns the importance of not giving up, showcasing determination.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to continue trying in the face of difficulties, whether it be in solving a complex puzzle or learning a new skill at school.
Example Lesson: Understanding differences
Explanation: The story introduces characters from diverse backgrounds, teaching Raymond to appreciate and celebrate differences.
Real-World Application: Children will be encouraged to embrace diversity, enhancing social integration and cooperation in multi-cultural environments.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Raymond experiences direct results of his actions which teach him about accountability.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that their actions have impacts and encourages them to think before acting.