Stubby: A True Story of Friendship
on Goodreads (127)
What’s inside...
Stubby: A True Story of Friendship is a heartwarming tale of a stray dog who becomes a loyal companion to a young soldier during World War I. The story follows their journey as they face the challenges of war and the power of friendship. Stubby was a brave soldier, a loyal friend, and a dog. From an army training camp to the trenches in France, this is the incredible true story of Sergeant Stubby, the dog who served bravely in World War I—sniffing out gas attacks, catching spies, and winning the hearts of his fellow soldiers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Stubby such a good friend?
How do you think Stubby felt when he helped the soldiers? Why?
Can animals and humans be real friends? Why do you think so?
What do you think we can learn from Stubby's bravery and loyalty?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions in the story, helping your child connect with Stubby's experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine being in the story, asking how they would feel meeting Stubby or being in similar situations.
Relate the themes of friendship and bravery in the story to your child's personal experiences to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Post-reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of Stubby, or write a short letter to him, expressing what they learned and felt about his adventures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story centers around Stubby, a dog who forms a deep bond with soldiers during World War I, demonstrating loyalty and companionship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of forming meaningful relationships and being loyal friends in their day-to-day interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Explanation: Stubby shows bravery on the battlefield, protecting soldiers and even capturing an enemy spy, teaching resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own challenges with courage, whether it’s standing up for a friend, or tackling a difficult task at school.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: The soldiers show kindness to Stubby, who is a stray dog, by taking him in and caring for him, illustrating compassionate behavior.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to act kindly and empathetically towards animals and people who are in need of help or companionship.
Example Lesson: History and its Lessons
Explanation: Through Stubby’s adventures, children are introduced to a pivotal historical period, World War I, fostering a connection to the past.
Real-World Application: Understanding historical events can help children appreciate the sacrifices made and the importance of peace, applying this wisdom in community and school projects about history.