The Dog Walk
on Goodreads (236)
What’s inside...
It's time for Grandma's dog to go for a walk. The eager pooch tugs the boy's hand, excited to get going. But where will they end up? This is a dog walk like no other, through amazing fairy-tale worlds, paintings come to life, Escher-esque castles, an intricately cluttered antique shop, and past countless delights: walking teapots, miniature steamboats, giant hedgehogs and islands with sails. This fantastical story of a dog and a boy is told simply through weird, whimsical and often hilarious illustrations. Children will pore over each page, delighting in the incredible details. Each reading will bring fresh discoveries and new twists to the tale. Beloved Swedish children's illustrator Sven Nordqvist unleashes his endlessly inventive talent in this funny and satisfying wordless book. Walking the dog will never feel the same again.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the dog felt when it went on a walk?
What was your favorite part of the walk and why?
Can you describe some of the other animals or characters the dog met?
How did the dog's interactions with others change throughout the book?
What would you do if you were to take the dog on a walk?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child to retell the story in their own words, encouraging them to recall details and express their understanding.
Focus on the emotions of the dog throughout the book, and relate them to emotions your child might feel during new experiences.
Encourage your child to talk about their own experiences with pets or animals, comparing them to the dog’s adventures in the book.
Discuss the different characters the dog meets, asking your child what they think about each character’s behavior and actions.
Wrap up by brainstorming with your child about stories of their own they would like to create involving the dog or other animals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Dog Walk', the protagonist takes on the task of walking the dog, showcasing the importance of caring for pets and understanding their needs.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home such as feeding a pet, helping with chores or managing their own belongings.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, the character learns to pay attention to the dog’s behavior and emotions, demonstrating empathy and concern for another being's comfort.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to observe and respect the feelings and needs of others, whether it's family members or classmates, promoting a more inclusive and considerate environment.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The character faces and overcomes various challenges during the dog walk. This illustrates the process of identifying problems and thinking creatively to solve them.
Real-World Application: Children can be guided to use critical thinking skills to address conflicts or challenges they encounter during school projects or group activities.
Example Lesson: Adventure and Exploration
Explanation: The book encourages exploration as the character embarks on a walk that turns into an adventure, engaging with different environments and situations.
Real-World Application: Parents can inspire children to explore their own surroundings, learn about different aspects of their neighborhood or nature, and embrace new experiences fearlessly.
Example Lesson: Coping with Unexpected Situations
Explanation: Unexpected situations arise during the walk, teaching the protagonist to manage unforeseen circumstances with calm and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial as it prepares children to adapt to changes and unexpected events in their daily lives, enhancing their ability to remain composed and responsive.