on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Mom Peterson has trouble finding a suitable family to adopt the adorable Labradoodle, Gus. The story follows Gus, a dignified Beagle with loads of personality, through a day from a dog's point of view in this beautifully illustrated children's book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Gus feel when he couldn't find his favorite toy, and what did he do to solve his problem?
What do you think about Gus' behavior when he gets upset? How do you react when you're upset?
How did Gus' friends help him? Why do you think it's important to have friends?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Gus' friends helped him? How did it make you feel?
What does this story teach us about patience and perseverance?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Gus' feelings, connect them to your child's experiences by asking them about times they felt similar emotions.
Encourage empathy by discussing the significance of friendship in the story and relating it to your child’s real-life friendships.
Highlight the resolution of Gus’ problem, helping your child understand the value of persistence and creative thinking in overcoming challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Gus', the main character learns to understand and share the feelings of others, enhancing emotional connections.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing emotions in peers and offering friendship and support in times of need.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Gus faces challenges bravely, showing kids that it's okay to step outside their comfort zones.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace new experiences at school or in social settings, building confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story promotes taking responsibility for one's actions, as Gus learns to own up to mistakes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of honesty and can practice admitting faults and learning from them in real life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Gus demonstrates persistence in overcoming obstacles, teaching children the value of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in their educational pursuits or personal goals, despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Gus shows that friendships are nurtured through kindness and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand how to build and maintain positive relationships with their peers.