Smelly Louie
on Goodreads (230)
What’s inside...
Louie the dog has just had a bath and is not happy about it because he smells all wrong. Determined to regain his Special Smell, he embarks on a journey where he encounters a fox, interesting dustbins, and a muddy puddle, all part of his quest to smell like himself again. Will Louie succeed in reclaiming his smell, and more importantly, be able to keep it? 'SMELLY LOUIE' by Catherine Rayner, a Greenaway Medal-winning author, is a humorous story with richly textured artwork that appeals to both children and adults.
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Louie
Discussion points
Why do you think Louie was so determined to find his own special smell?
How did Louie’s adventure make you feel? Would you have joined him on his quest?
What do you think about the different smells Louie tried? Which one would you like or dislike?
How do you think Louie felt at the end of the story? Why is it important to be true to ourselves?
What does this story teach us about persistence and accepting who we are?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about smells and how they think smells are important to people and animals.
Encourage your child to describe the smells they like and dislike, linking them to the smells Louie experimented with in the book.
While reading, pause at moments where Louie discovers a new smell. Ask your child how they think each smell would make them feel.
Discuss the importance of individuality and acceptance, drawing parallels between Louie's journey and personal experiences your child might have had.
After reading, engage in an activity where you and your child create funny, imaginative smells together, discussing each one’s uniqueness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: Smelly Louie, after having a bath, embarks on a mission to recover his unique scent, underscoring the theme of embracing and celebrating one's individuality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and express their unique traits and personalities, fostering self-confidence and authenticity in social settings.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Louie's relentless journey to regain his original smell highlights the importance of perseverance when faced with challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving personal goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal interests.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: Louie uses his creativity to experiment with different scents and solutions, showcasing innovative problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in solving problems and adapting to new situations, valuable skills in both school and life.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Change
Explanation: Though Louie ultimately doesn’t retain his original scent, he accepts his new situation, illustrating adaptability and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of accepting changes and making the best of situations, helping them cope with transitions and new environments.