Sally Dog Little
What’s inside...
The Little family is a formal bunch who decide to get a dog, each member with a specific purpose for her in mind. Sally Dog Little begins her working life fulfilling these expectations, but chaos ensues when a ghost pirate and his dog appear. Amidst the mayhem, Bill Richardson spins a fanciful tale with a hilarious cast of characters that showcases a child's belief in the improbable. The illustrator Céline Malépart adds a playful and humorous touch to the story, capturing the magic of the improbable and the extraordinary measures needed when unusual circumstances arise.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Sally Dog Little show courage in the story?
What would you do if you were in Sally's place during her adventure?
How do you think Sally felt when she made new friends?
Why is it important to help others, like Sally did?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create an open, non-judgmental space for discussion, allowing children to express their feelings and thoughts freely.
Emphasize the moral lessons of the story, such as bravery and kindness, and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, then discuss what they drew and why it stood out to them.
Encourage your child to think about how they can incorporate Sally's positive traits into their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Sally Dog Little showcases empathy by helping her friends in need, demonstrating the importance of understanding and caring for others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate and support their friends and family, fostering stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sally faces various challenges with bravery, teaching kids that it's okay to be scared, but also showing how to overcome fears.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle new or daunting situations such as trying out for a school play or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: The book illustrates the consequences of dishonesty and the benefits of being truthful through various scenarios faced by Sally and her friends.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of honesty in their daily interactions and the trust it builds with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Sally Dog Little often encounters problems that she solves using clever and creative thinking, which highlights the effectiveness of using logic and imagination.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use critical thinking and creativity to navigate challenges in schoolwork or in their social lives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: When faced with tough times, Sally doesn't give up. The storyline encourages persistence even when things are difficult.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal interests.