Shoe Dog
What’s inside...
Shoe Dog is a memoir by Nike co-founder Phil Knight, detailing Nike's journey from its inception as Blue Ribbon Sports to becoming a global powerhouse. The book also delves into Phil Knight's personal relationships with his first employees, affectionately referred to as 'Buttfaces'. In a separate story, Shoe Dog is a character who enjoys chewing shoes, but faces problems because of his habit. A cat friend comes up with an ideal solution to help him.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about how Shoe Dog solved his problem? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem in a unique way?
Shoe Dog tried many shoes before he found the right ones. How does trying different things help us learn more about what we like and need?
What emotions did you feel when Shoe Dog was searching for his perfect pair of shoes? How do you feel when you are searching for something important?
How did the other animals help Shoe Dog in his journey? Why is it important to have friends or family support us?
If you could design a pair of shoes for Shoe Dog, what would they look like and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing a personal story about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it. It helps children feel more connected to the story.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book. Ask them to draw it or act it out, which can deepen their understanding and emotional connection to the story.
Ask your child to think about the characters’ emotions and relate them to their own experiences. This can help in developing empathy and emotional intelligence.
Link the themes of the book to real-life scenarios your child may encounter, such as trying new activities or making new friends, which enhances relatability and learning.
After discussing the book, engage in a creative activity like designing a new shoe for Shoe Dog together. This makes the reading experience interactive and fun, fostering a deeper bond.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The protagonist's journey from a start-up to a successful business underscores the importance of determination and never giving up on one's dreams, no matter the challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of persisting with their tasks or challenges, whether it's learning a new skill or completing a difficult school assignment.
Example Lesson: The power of innovation
Explanation: The protagonist's development of a unique product by thinking out of the box encourages creativity and innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to think creatively in their problem-solving processes, be it in school projects or during playtime.
Example Lesson: Importance of facing challenges
Explanation: The protagonist encounters multiple obstacles but learns valuable lessons from each, emphasizing the importance of facing challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to not shy away from difficult situations but rather face them head-on, viewing them as opportunities to learn and grow.