The Waggiest Tails: Poems Written by Dogs
What’s inside...
This collection of poems, written from the perspective of dogs, features a variety of canine characters including Bruno, the smallest dog on the farm, and Charlie, the dancing chihuahua. Huskies, security dogs, rescue dogs, and more are all represented, each with their own unique stories. The book also includes two poems set in New York, featuring Princess Zyara and a New York dog who prefers not to jog. Written by internationally acclaimed poets Brian Moses and Roger Stevens, this humorous and insightful collection celebrates dogs of all kinds and will be cherished by dog lovers of all ages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to see the world through a dog's eyes?
Which poem was your favorite and why did it stand out to you?
How do the dogs in the book express their feelings and how do they compare to how humans show their emotions?
Can you imagine what your pet would say if they could write a poem?
Why do you think the author chose dogs to be the poets in this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe a day in the life of their favorite dog from the book, enhancing their empathy and creative thinking.
Discuss the different emotions expressed in the poems, linking them to personal experiences to deepen your child’s emotional understanding.
Create a fun activity where you both write a short poem from the perspective of a pet or favorite animal, fostering creativity and bonding over shared storytelling.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or poem from the book, which can lead to discussions about the art and deeper comprehension of the content.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The poems in 'The Waggiest Tails' are written from the perspectives of different dogs, encouraging children to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering how their friends and classmates might feel in different situations, promoting kindness and understanding.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of poetic styles and voices, illustrating the diverse ways emotions and stories can be expressed through writing.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own creative writing or storytelling, helping them express their feelings and boost their confidence in communication.
Example Lesson: Importance of Responsible Pet Ownership
Explanation: Several poems touch on the needs and care of dogs, subtly teaching children the responsibilities involved in pet ownership.
Real-World Application: This can lead children to take an active role in caring for pets at home, learning about responsibility and the needs of others.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Inclusivity
Explanation: The book features a wide range of dog breeds and personalities, promoting an understanding and appreciation of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing differences among their peers, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in play.