THE GREAT DANES: Big Dogs Living Large
#1 of 2 in THE GREAT DANES Series
What’s inside...
Meet the Great Danes! Life has changed for Lola and Tristan Great Dane with the arrival of sixteen little paws in their once peaceful home. As the Great Dane puppies grow, the family learns to compromise and enjoy their bustling household. Inspired by a real Great Dane family of six, this children's book series explores themes of individuality, family, and unconditional love. Each Dane has a unique personality, sparking conversations about embracing differences and following dreams. Experience joy, love, and the beauty of family through the adventures of the Great Danes.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Great Danes in the book special compared to other dogs?
How do the people in the story interact with the Great Danes, and what can we learn from their relationships?
If you could spend a day with a Great Dane from the book, what activities would you do together?
How do you think the size of the Great Danes affects their life and adventures in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the world from a Great Dane’s perspective, fostering empathy and creativity. Discuss the traits that make each Dane unique in the book and relate them to people they know to deepen their understanding of diversity and personality. Use the story as a starting point to explore responsibilities involved in caring for large pets. Highlight positive interactions between humans and animals in the book to teach kindness and respect towards animals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story illustrates responsibility through the character's duty to care for these large dogs, emphasizing the daily tasks involved in maintaining their well-being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the concept of responsibility by taking care of their own pets or helping with chores around the house to contribute to their family’s environment.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the children in the book interact with the Great Danes, they learn to recognize and respond to the dogs' needs and emotions, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and respect the feelings of their peers and develop healthier interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: The book tackles the theme of overcoming fears, as the characters initially feel intimidated by the large size of the Great Danes but gradually become comfortable and affectionate.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to overcoming their own fears, whether it's trying out new activities or making new friends at school.
Example Lesson: Team Work
Explanation: Caring for the Great Danes requires the children in the book to work together, showing how teamwork leads to successfully managing responsibilities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, useful in both academic group projects and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Respect for Animals
Explanation: Through engaging with the Great Danes, the children learn about the needs and proper treatment of animals, highlighting respect for all living beings.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be considerate and kind towards animals in their community, promoting a more empathetic society.