Elf Dog and Owl Head
OverDrive Read Series
What’s inside...
Elf Dog and Owl Head is a whimsical and imaginative children's book by M.T. Anderson. The story follows the adventures of Elf Dog and Owl Head as they navigate through a magical forest, encountering various creatures and obstacles along the way. With charming illustrations and a heartwarming message about friendship and bravery, this book is sure to captivate young readers and spark their imagination. Additionally, it has been recognized as a Newbery Honor Book, highlighting its literary excellence.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
241 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Clay
Elphinore
Discussion points
How do you think Elf Dog felt when he met Owl Head for the first time?
What did Elf Dog and Owl Head learn from each other?
Can you imagine a new adventure for Elf Dog and Owl Head? What would it be?
Why do you think friendship is important, as shown in the story?
How do you think the story would change if there was no Owl Head?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use a soft and curious tone to make your child feel comfortable expressing their thoughts.
Encourage your child to relate the friendship between Elf Dog and Owl Head to their own experiences with friends.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book. This could help them reflect more deeply on the story’s themes and characters.
After reading the book, engage in a role-play activity where you and your child act out a favorite scene. This makes the discussion interactive and fun.
Praise your child for their insights during the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Elf Dog and Owl Head must work together to solve the puzzle of the enchanted forest. Their success comes from their ability to collaborate and value each other's unique abilities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Elf Dog and Owl Head have different perspectives and skills which at first leads to conflicts. However, they learn to respect and embrace their differences, which ultimately strengthens their friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate the diverse qualities of their classmates and friends, promoting inclusivity and respect in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Creative problem solving
Explanation: The characters face various challenges that they overcome by thinking creatively and trying different strategies. Their ability to think outside the box helps them navigate through the enchanted forest.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to approach problems in inventive ways in their daily lives, whether it’s figuring out a difficult homework question or resolving a disagreement with a peer.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Elf Dog and Owl Head encounter numerous setbacks on their journey, but they persist and don’t give up, showing resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting in the face of challenges, whether they are tackling a new skill or dealing with a tough situation at home or school.