The Dog that Ate the World
on Goodreads (148)
What’s inside...
Discover the importance of friendship and community in this stunning picture book by the creator of Leaf. Down in the valley, all the animals live in peace among their own kind, happy but not quite united until the day the enormous dog appeared. The animals run as fast as they can, but the big dog is so terrible and so greedy that he swallows them all one by one! With their whole world in darkness, they have no choice but to band together to rebuild their lives, and in the process they discover value in each other. The Dog That Ate the World is the second picture book by Sandra Dieckmann, whose debut Leaf, was a Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2017.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the dog represents in the story?
How do the other animals feel when the dog starts eating everything? Can you relate to their emotions?
What could the animals have done differently to address their problem with the dog?
Why do you think it was important for the animals to stick together?
How do you think the story would change if it ended differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to reading, provide a brief overview of the storyline to set context.
While discussing, relate the characters' experiences to real-life scenarios to deepen understanding.
Encourage your child to express how they would feel in a similar situation as the characters.
Use expressive voice tones for different characters to make the story come alive during reading.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book that they found memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Unity and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the story, animals come together to overcome challenges posed by the greedy dog.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together and helping each other in family settings or school projects.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite the dog consuming everything, the animals find ways to live and maintain hope.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain hopeful and find solutions during difficult times, such as adjusting to new environments or dealing with personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: The animals share limited resources they have left after the upheavals caused by the dog.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing with siblings and friends, promoting a harmonious and caring environment.
Example Lesson: Effects of greed
Explanation: The dog's insatiable appetite leads to loneliness and destruction, depicting the negative consequences of being greedy.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of moderation and the negative impacts of hoarding or being selfish.
Example Lesson: Hope and optimism
Explanation: Despite the dire situation, the story ends on a hopeful note, with the animals finding a way to coexist.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of optimism in children, encouraging them to always look for a silver lining and to remain positive regardless of the circumstances.