Hound from the Pound
What’s inside...
After a woman unknowingly adopts a pack leader from the shelter, his furry friends follow in dogged pursuit in this rhythmical, rhyming picture book about doggy companionship, with art by the illustrator of Little Blue Truck. Lonely Miss Mary longs for a four-legged friend. But when she makes the mistake of choosing the untrained basset hound Blue, no sooner does he howl AH-ROOoooooo! than her house has gone to the dogs! Dalmatians and dachshunds, sheepdogs and setters, poodles and pups of all spots are ruling the roost. Can Sam the canine trainer teach this menagerie some pawsitive tricks? A charmingly illustrated, rollicking text offers a doggone good time and a perfectly happy ending.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the dog felt when he was adopted from the pound? Can you describe his emotions?
What changes did you notice in the dog's behavior from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why is it important to show kindness to animals? How can we help animals like the dog in the story?
What would you have done if you were in the story? Would you have made the same choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, helping your child connect with them.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next throughout the story to keep them engaged and thinking ahead.
Encourage your child to talk about their own experiences with pets or animals to connect the story to their own life.
Discuss the importance of empathy and caring for others, drawing parallels between the story and real-life situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and Empathy
Explanation: The story centers around a rescue dog, showing the importance of kindness towards animals and understanding their situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to treat animals with kindness and consider their feelings, which can extend to empathy for people in different situations.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: The characters in the book form strong bonds regardless of their backgrounds, illustrating the importance of friendship.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to make friends and value those relationships, teaching them the importance of social interactions and support.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: The main character, the dog, adapts to a new life after being rescued, demonstrating resilience in the face of change.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be adaptable when facing new situations or environments, helping them to overcome obstacles and embrace change positively.