The Detective Dog
What’s inside...
The Detective Dog tells the story of Nell, a dog with an extraordinary sense of smell who helps solve the mystery of the missing books at a school. Every Monday, Nell accompanies a boy named Peter to school where she listens to children read. One morning, they discover that the school's books have disappeared. Nell uses her keen sense of smell to track down the missing books and uncover the culprit. The story celebrates the joy of reading, libraries, and the special bond between a boy and his dog. Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sara Ogilvie, the book is now available in a cased board book format for younger readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Detective Dog loves sniffing and finding things so much?
What would you do if you were in Detective Dog's place when the books went missing?
How did the story make you feel when the Detective Dog solved the mystery?
What do you think makes a good detective?
Can you think of other ways Detective Dog could help people using her sniffing skills?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as the Detective Dog, asking them what mystery they would love to solve.
Discuss the importance of problem-solving and teamwork, as shown by the Detective Dog’s adventure.
Explore themes of curiosity and bravery with your child, relating them to personal experiences or future aspirations.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to mimic the detective’s sniffing and searching, making the reading experience more interactive.
After reading, engage in a fun ‘detective’ game where your child can look for clues around the house to solve a simple mystery you create.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Detective Dog', teamwork is highlighted when Nell, the detective dog, collaborates with children to solve the mystery of the missing books.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working together to achieve common goals, which is vital in school projects and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Developing problem-solving skills
Explanation: The story showcases Nell using her senses and deduction skills to follow clues and locate the missing items.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and use logical reasoning to overcome obstacles in their daily life.
Example Lesson: Fostering a love for reading
Explanation: The adventure leads to a library, emphasizing the joy and knowledge that books can bring into one's life.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore books and develop a lifelong passion for reading, enhancing their literacy and imagination.
Example Lesson: Understanding right from wrong
Explanation: When the thief is found, the story teaches the consequences of stealing and the importance of making amends.
Real-World Application: Children learn about accountability and the moral implications of their actions, helping them navigate ethical decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Nell shows kindness towards the book thief by giving him a second chance, leading to his transformation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the power of compassion and forgiveness, encouraging them to be empathetic towards others in their community.