I, Cosmo
on Goodreads (1,479)
What’s inside...
A golden retriever named Cosmo tells a heartwarming and humorous story as he strives to keep his family intact amidst turmoil. From the time he became a big brother to Max ten years ago, Cosmo's mission has been to protect and make his boy happy. Despite challenges like an antagonistic sheepdog and his own arthritis, Cosmo has faithfully fulfilled his role. However, when family tensions rise and Max devises a plan involving a dance routine to bring back happier times, Cosmo, despite his stiff hips, willingly participates in hopes of healing his family.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Cosmo feels when he tries to keep his family together? Can you relate to his feelings?
What does the story tell us about the importance of family and loyalty?
Cosmo goes on a big adventure during the dog dancing competition. What would your dream adventure with your pet look like?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from Max’s point of view instead of Cosmo’s?
What are some ways Cosmo shows his love for his family throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by asking them how certain parts made them feel and why.
Discuss the qualities of Cosmo as a dog, and relate them to real-life pets or their desired qualities in a pet.
After reading the book, engage in a fun activity like imagining or drawing what your own pet’s adventurous day would look like.
Create parallels between Cosmo’s experiences and similar experiences in your child’s life to deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Use the changes in Cosmo’s family dynamics to discuss any similar changes or challenges your child might have experienced or noticed in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'I, Cosmo', the golden retriever, Cosmo, demonstrates profound empathy by sensing the emotions and troubles of his human family members, especially the children.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to observe and respond to the feelings of friends and family members, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how Cosmo and his family work together to solve problems, like practicing for a dance contest, illustrating the value of cooperation and shared goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply teamwork skills in group projects at school or cooperative games, learning that collaboration can lead to accomplishing common objectives.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: Cosmo's family faces several changes, including the possibility of a divorce. Cosmo's resilience in adapting to these changes is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to embrace changes in life, such as moving to a new school or city, by finding positive aspects and staying flexible.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Personal Challenges
Explanation: The book shows Cosmo dealing with his aging body and the limitations it brings, yet he still strives to participate and help his family.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to persevere through their personal challenges, whether they are physical, academic, or social, by focusing on their strengths and seeking help when needed.