The Emperor's Gruckle Hound
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Sam and Scruff are twin mongrel puppies, separated at birth. Sam is given to the Emperor, and now sleeps on silk cushions and feasts on salmon. His brother lurks outside the city walls. When they change places, confusion reigns!
Age
7-9
Length
137 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience when the Emperor's Gruckle Hound made its big decision?
Why do you think the Gruckle Hound chose to help the Emperor?
How would you have reacted if you were in the Emperor's place?
What do you think is the most important lesson the Gruckle Hound teaches us in the story?
If you could ask the Gruckle Hound one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use expressive facial gestures and voice modulations to make the story come alive.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, helping them connect visually and physically with the story.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at several points to gauge their understanding and imagination.
Relate themes or moral lessons from the book to real-life situations in your child’s world to deepen their understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story showcases how the Emperor’s Gruckle Hound learns to understand and share the feelings of others through its interactions with different characters.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing emotions in others and offering kindness and support in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The Gruckle Hound is tasked with important duties, teaching children about the significance of being reliable and accountable for one’s actions.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice responsibility by taking care of their belongings, completing homework, or helping around the house.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Gruckle Hound faces various challenges bravely, showing children the importance of facing fears.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace this lesson by trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or facing academic challenges without fear.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The Gruckle Hound encounters problems that it must solve creatively, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges in school or in their personal lives.