The Mystery at the Dog Show
#35 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
What’s inside...
The Aldens are excited to participate in Greenfield's first dog show with their favorite dog, Pal. However, Pal goes missing just before the show starts, and strange pranks begin occurring at the event. The children must find Pal, solve the mystery of the pranks, and prepare to compete in the show. FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. The Alden children suspect someone of trying to sabotage the local dog show.
Discussion points
What do you think made the dog show a mystery?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery?
What would you have done if you were a character in the book?
How did the mystery change the way the characters felt about each other?
What lessons did you learn from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story more vivid and engaging.
Pause at suspenseful moments to allow your child to guess what might happen next.
Discuss the emotions of various characters at key points in the story and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, discussing their choices as they draw.
Connect the story to a real-life visit to a pet show or interaction with pets to deepen their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Mystery at the Dog Show', the characters work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and effective communication.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to cooperate and achieve common goals with their peers.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The book showcases the characters using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to uncover clues and solve the mystery at the dog show.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use logical reasoning and creativity to overcome challenges and obstacles in their daily lives, such as resolving conflicts with friends or tackling difficult school assignments.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate care and responsibility while handling pets during the dog show, teaching the readers the importance of being considerate and responsible towards animals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take better care of their pets or be more considerate towards animals in their community.
Example Lesson: Honesty and Integrity
Explanation: Throughout the investigation, the protagonists uphold values of honesty and integrity, crucial in resolving the mystery rightly.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of being truthful and ethical in their actions, whether in their academic pursuits or in their personal relationships.