Along Came a Dog
Harper Trophy Books (Paperback) Series
What’s inside...
The long cold winter was over. The little red hen had changed and the other chickens picked on her now, or ignored her altogether. Then one day a big black dog came to the farm in search of a new home. The dog was humble and lonesome. The hen was cocky, and lonesome, too. A strange and wonderful friendship grew between them. The dog protected the little red hen, but who would protect the big black dog from being chased off the farm? Who would convince the man who owned the farm that the dog truly belonged there?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Dog
The Little Red Hen
The Farmer
Discussion points
How do you think the little red hen felt when the dog came to help her?
What qualities do you think make the dog a good friend?
Why do you think the dog continued to help the hen despite the challenges he faced?
How did both the hen and the dog change by the end of the story?
If you were in the story, how would you help the hen and the dog?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, empathize with the characters' emotions to help your child understand their feelings and motivations.
Encourage your child to think about the value of persistence and kindness by relating the dog’s actions to real-life situations they might encounter.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings for the story to foster creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Use the character's experiences to discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork in overcoming obstacles.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Along Came a Dog,' the protagonist, a little red hen, shows compassion towards the protagonist, a homeless dog. Despite challenges, the friendship between the dog and the hen highlights the importance of empathy and caring for others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express empathy towards their friends and animals, understanding their feelings and offering help or comfort when needed.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, the dog displays great persistence and resilience in his efforts to protect the hen and find a place he can call home. This portrayal serves as a perfect backdrop to discuss the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to keep trying in their endeavors, whether it be learning a new skill, dealing with school challenges or building relationships.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: The development of the bond between the dog and the hen in the book illustrates the positive impacts of friendship and how relationships can provide support and joy.
Real-World Application: Children can recognize the importance of building and maintaining friendships in their own lives and the mutual support that comes with it.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Inclusion
Explanation: The dog, being initially a stranger, is eventually accepted by the farm animals and finds his belonging. This storyline encourages discussions on the themes of acceptance and welcoming others despite differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inclusive and accepting of new students or neighbors, promoting a community where everyone feels valued and included.