Dog Heroes: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #18: Dogs in the Dead of Night
#24 in Magic Tree House Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (490)
What’s inside...
Magic Tree House Research Guides are now Magic Tree House Fact Trackers! Track the facts with Jack and Annie! When Jack and Annie returned from their adventure in Magic Tree House #46: Dogs in the Dead of Night, they had numerous questions about dogs and their roles. They explore how St. Bernards help find avalanche survivors, the most famous war dog heroes, and what breeds make good service dogs. This book provides answers to these questions with up-to-date information, photos, illustrations, and fun tidbits from Jack and Annie. The Magic Tree House Fact Trackers are an excellent way for children to learn more about the topics they discovered in their favorite Magic Tree House adventures. From the Trade Paperback edition.
Discussion points
What qualities do the dogs in the book have that make them heroes? Can you think of any people who share similar qualities?
How do the dogs help the characters in the story? What does this teach us about teamwork and helping others?
What emotions did you feel when reading about the dogs' adventures? Which part of the book made you feel that way?
If you had a dog like the ones in the book, how would you train it to help people?
Which dog in the book did you like the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about dogs and what makes someone a hero. This sets the stage for connecting the book's themes to their existing knowledge.
While reading, pause at intense moments and ask your child to predict what might happen next. This keeps them engaged and thinking critically about the story.
After reading, use the book’s illustrations to further discuss the story. Ask questions about what’s happening in the pictures to help deepen your child's understanding.
Encourage your child to relate the book to their own experiences, asking if they've ever needed help like the characters in the story and who helped them.
Discuss the importance of courage and kindness, as demonstrated by the dogs, and how your child can show these traits in their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The book features real-life stories of dogs who save lives, demonstrating selflessness and courage. Through these stories, children learn to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these values by helping friends in need or caring for pets at home, fostering a more empathetic outlook towards both animals and people.
Example Lesson: Bravery and Perseverance
Explanation: Dogs in the book often face dangerous situations to help others. These narratives underscore the importance of being brave and persistent even under difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face challenges in school or in their personal lives with courage, reinforcing the idea that perseverance can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: The Power of Teamwork
Explanation: The book highlights multiple instances where dogs work alongside humans or other dogs to achieve a common goal, illustrating the benefits of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to collaborate effectively at school on group projects or during sports, understanding that teamwork can accomplish tasks that might be challenging to do alone.
Example Lesson: Importance of Preparation and Training
Explanation: The rescue dogs’ effectiveness in emergencies is shown as a result of rigorous training and preparation, emphasizing the necessity of being well-prepared.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of preparing for tests or acquiring new skills diligently, making them understand that success often comes to those who are well-prepared.