Classic Film: " 101 Dalmatians " (Disney: Classic Films)
Disney: Classic Films Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Pongo and Perdita are heartbroken when their beautiful Dalmatian puppies are stolen. They suspect that Cruella De Vil is responsible, but what could she possibly want with fifteen mischievous puppies? Pongo and Perdita have a litter of 15 puppies. Cruella De Vil takes a fancy to the pups, and wants to get hold of them, as well as more pups, to make herself a lovely dalmatian skin coat. Join the dalmatians on an adventure to outwit the evil Cruella De Vil and keep their spots!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Pongo
Anita
Roger Radcliffe
Nanny
Perdita
Captain
Sergeant Tibbs
Colonel
Cruella De Vil
Jasper
Horace
Discussion points
Why do you think Cruella De Vil is so determined to get the dalmatians?
How do Pongo and Perdita show their bravery and love for their puppies?
What are some ways the animals in the story help each other?
How would you feel if you were one of the dalmatians?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like the animals helped each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions. Show genuine interest in their responses, and share your own thoughts to foster a deeper connection. Use the book's illustrations to further engage your child, asking them to describe what they see and imagine beyond the text. Highlight the themes of teamwork and resilience, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might face, enhancing their empathy and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout '101 Dalmatians', the puppies must work together to outsmart the antagonist, Cruella De Vil. Their successful escape showcases the power of collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with siblings or classmates on projects or problem-solving tasks, learning that cooperation often leads to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The puppies demonstrate resilience by remaining hopeful and resourceful under difficult circumstances. Despite numerous obstacles, they persist in finding their way back home.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up when facing challenges, whether it’s dealing with a tough subject in school or overcoming a personal obstacle.
Example Lesson: The Value of Creativity
Explanation: The puppies use creative strategies to evade capture and communicate with other animals. Their ability to think creatively is a crucial factor in their success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination to solve problems, which can be applied in their creative projects or when finding unconventional solutions to everyday issues.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: The story highlights several instances where characters extend warmth and kindness to each other, including the Twilight Bark, a communication network among dogs. This empathy is pivotal to their success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be empathetic towards others’ feelings and situations, promoting a supportive and understanding environment whether at home or school.