Ribsy
#6 of 6 in Henry Huggins Series
What’s inside...
Good ol' Ribsy's ever-curious mind has always gotten him into trouble, but this time he may have gone too far. After a comical turn of events, Ribsy finds himself in the wrong station wagon with the wrong children. Ribsy will do anything to find Henry, but there's plenty of excitement to be had along the way—and scoring a touchdown for a local high school team is only part of the fun! For kids looking for a fast, funny dog story, Ribsy is a winner.
Discussion points
How do you think Ribsy felt when he got lost? How would you feel in his situation?
What are some of the ways that Ribsy tried to find his way home? What would you have done differently?
Why do you think the different families that found Ribsy treated him the way they did?
What does Ribsy's journey tell us about the importance of home and family?
How does Ribsy's adventure change him by the end of the book? What did he learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
To deepen your child's connection to the story, you can relate Ribsy's experiences to their own feelings of longing and belonging. Discuss the significance of empathy by reflecting on how the characters interact with Ribsy. Encourage them to consider different perspectives and the consequences of actions, enhancing their emotional and moral development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Ribsy', the main character, a dog named Ribsy, navigates various environments showing initiative and adaptability. This mirrors situations where responsibility is key.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being responsible for their actions and understanding the consequences, akin to Ribsy managing in different settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through Ribsy’s interactions with different characters, readers are shown how understanding and compassion are vital, particularly when Ribsy shows kindness to those he meets.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by recognizing emotions in others and responding with sensitivity, much like Ribsy does.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Ribsy's relentless effort to find his way back home embodies the spirit of perseverance against odds.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting in their goals despite challenges, mirroring Ribsy’s journey.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Ribsy encounters various challenges which he must overcome through clever thinking and tactics.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their own obstacles with a problem-solving mindset, inspired by Ribsy’s actions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Ribsy’s ability to adapt to new settings and situations throughout the book illustrates the importance of flexibility and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more adaptable in their daily life, preparing them for new experiences and changes, much like Ribsy adjusts to various scenarios.