The Last Dogs: The Vanishing (The Last Dogs, 1)
#1 of 4 in The Last Dogs Series
What’s inside...
When all the humans in his world disappear, Max, a yellow Labrador Retriever, begins the search for his family. He seeks help from Madame Curie, a wise old black Lab who had premonitions of these events. Joined by friends Rocky and Gizmo, their journey involves facing angry wolves, foraging for food, befriending cats, and outsmarting subway rats. Their ultimate challenge is escaping the Corporation, a deceptive 'perfect' society for dogs. This thrilling adventure follows three unlikely friends on an epic quest to find their people and bring them home.
Character compass
Max
Gizmo
Rocky
Discussion points
How do you think Max felt when he was separated from his family? Have you ever felt similar?
What qualities do you admire in Max and his friends during their adventure? Why?
How do the characters in the book work together to overcome challenges? Can teamwork help solve problems in real life too?
Why do you think the author chose dogs as the main characters? How would the story change if it were another animal?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Max’s feelings, relate them to a time your child felt something similar, enhancing empathy and personal connection.
Praise your child’s insights into the characters' qualities, encouraging them to reflect on their own strengths and values.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of teamwork, asking your child about times they worked with others to achieve a goal.
Encourage creativity by asking your child to imagine a different animal in Max's place, discussing how the story’s events and challenges might change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: In 'The Last Dogs: The Vanishing', the protagonist, Max, showcases unwavering loyalty to his friends as they embark on a perilous journey to find their missing families. The strong bond between the characters emphasizes the value of sticking together through challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that being a loyal and supportive friend can help overcome obstacles in real life.
Example Lesson: Courage and perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Max and his friends face numerous dangers and uncertainties. Their courage to confront these challenges and their perseverance to keep going teaches a powerful lesson about not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own challenges with bravery and to keep striving towards their goals, even when the situation seems daunting.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: As the canine characters navigate through their adventures, they encounter various problems that require quick thinking and clever solutions. Their ability to assess situations and devise strategies is central to their survival and success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in everyday situations, learning to analyze problems and think creatively to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The storyline delves into the emotions and perspectives of different characters, fostering a sense of empathy in the reader. By understanding the characters' fears and hopes, readers learn the value of seeing the world from others' viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice empathy in their interactions with others, promoting a more inclusive and understanding attitude towards different perspectives and experiences.