Scary Dog (Starters)
#1 of 2 in Starters Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Scary Dog is a delightful beginner reader book by Scoular Anderson, part of the Walker Starters series. The story follows Bonzo the dog, who believes dogs should scare cats but finds himself unable to scare anyone. After attending Mr. Fox's Scary School in the woods, he learns to bark and growl ferociously. However, when he returns home, his family has adopted a cute kitten who refuses to be scared. Eventually, Bonzo decides he would rather be friends with the kitten. The book features a range of writing styles and lively, stylish illustrations that help children understand the text.
Discussion points
How did you feel when the dog first appeared in the story, and how did your feelings change by the end?
What do you think makes the dog scary at the start of the book, and what might make him less scary?
If you were a character in the book, how would you try to make friends with the dog?
Can you think of a time when you were scared of something and later realized it wasn’t as scary as you thought?
What do you think is the most important lesson the characters learned in this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a comforting and curious tone when discussing the themes of fear and misunderstanding to create a safe space for expression.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, which can deepen their understanding and empathy.
Highlight the transformation of the characters’ perspectives throughout the book to reinforce concepts of growth and change.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the story.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings to reinforce positive engagement with reading and discussing books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist, a young pup, must overcome its fear of the unknown to find its way home.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their personal fears and see the value in challenging themselves, be it in starting school, making new friends, or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, the pup encounters other animals who are also scared, teaching it to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be sensitive towards the emotions of others around them, aiding in developing healthier relationships with peers and family.
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the pup keeps trying to find its way back home, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to persist in their goals, whether it’s completing a difficult task or learning a new skill, proving that effort leads to success.