The Day My Dogs Became Guys
What’s inside...
When an eclipse of the sun turns Carey's three dogs--Butch, DeeDee, and Ol Ed--into people, they cause enormous problems for Carey by continuing to behave like dogs. Reprint.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the dogs decide to become guys in the story?
How did the behavior of the dogs change when they became guys? Can you describe those changes?
If your pet could talk one day, what do you think it would say to you?
Why do you think the author chose to have the dogs turn into guys, instead of staying as regular dogs?
How do you think the story would have ended if the dogs never turned back into their usual selves?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and explore the fantastical elements of the story. Ask them to express what they would do if they were in similar magical situations. Utilize the open-ended questions to help them connect the narrative to their personal experiences and feelings. Highlight the humor and the unique transformation in the story to make the discussion enjoyable and lively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Day My Dogs Became Guys', the transformation of the dogs into guys helps children see the world from a different perspective and understand the feelings and thoughts of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to consider the feelings of friends and family members, fostering stronger relationships and social skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: As the main character deals with his dogs who have become guys, he learns the importance of taking care of others and the responsibilities involved.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of responsibility as they care for pets or help around the house, building a sense of duty and self-reliance.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The main character adapts to the unusual circumstances of his pets' transformation, showing flexibility in dealing with unexpected situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be adaptable in their own lives, whether in adjusting to a new school, making new friends, or dealing with any unforeseen changes.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: Throughout the book, the character navigates various challenges and conflicts that arise from his dogs becoming humans, learning to resolve disputes and misunderstandings effectively.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to handle conflicts in a calm and constructive way in school or with siblings, promoting peaceful interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The imaginative premise of dogs turning into humans encourages children to think creatively and enjoy the realm of fantasy and imagination.
Real-World Application: Encouraging creative thinking can lead to better problem-solving skills and innovative thinking in real-world scenarios like school projects and artistic endeavors.