Sadi and Max Have the Best Christmas in the Entire World
What’s inside...
Eight-year-old Sadi wants a puppy for Christmas and loves visiting the rescue home of Talia Wagger where she meets Max, a puppy waiting for adoption. When Sadi's parents surprise her with Max, it's love at first sight. Max experiences many adventures in his new home, from understanding new commands to fitting in with Sadi's old dogs. Despite missing his sister and the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, Max finds joy in his new family and realizes he is the luckiest puppy in the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
102 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of Sadi and Max's Christmas adventure and why?
How do you think Sadi and Max felt when they found the special gift? How would you feel in their situation?
What does Christmas mean to you, and how do you like to celebrate it with our family?
If you could give any gift to Sadi and Max, what would it be and why?
How do you think sharing made Sadi and Max's Christmas better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their personal experiences.
Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer to open up a dialogue that fosters critical thinking.
Highlight the themes of sharing and kindness in the book and relate them to everyday life situations your child might encounter.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe what they see and imagine beyond the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: In the story, Sadi and Max learn the happiness that comes from giving presents more than receiving them. They spend time making thoughtful gifts for their family and friends, demonstrating the value of selflessness and generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in gift-giving during holidays or birthdays, focusing on the thought behind the gift rather than its material value. This fosters a sense of empathy and generosity.
Example Lesson: The importance of family traditions
Explanation: The book highlights various family traditions that Sadi and Max enjoy during Christmas, showing how these traditions strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
Real-World Application: Families can create and maintain their own traditions, such as decorating the tree together or baking holiday cookies, which helps in building strong family relationships and creating a sense of belonging.
Example Lesson: Overcoming disagreements
Explanation: Sadi and Max face a small disagreement on how to decorate their Christmas tree but learn to compromise and work together to find a solution that pleases everyone.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of resolving conflicts through communication and compromise, useful skills in school and sibling relationships.
Example Lesson: The spirit of community
Explanation: The book shows how Sadi and Max participate in community activities, like singing carols and helping at a local food bank, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and support.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take part in community activities, whether through school, local groups, or volunteering, to understand the impact of their contributions and the value of community.