Mad Dogs
What’s inside...
Mad Dogs 2 is set on the Australian outback on a typical sheep station where the farmer is away on business. Red and Blue take responsibility for the farm and decide to deal with two disruptive birds, a swearing crow and a one-eyed rooster, by moving the outback toilet they reside in using a big farm tractor. Afterward, they continue to work with the tractor, feeling pleased with their efforts, though their actions may not impress the returning farmer.
Age
7-12
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the mad dogs in the story represent?
How did the characters' actions make you feel, and why?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's place?
Can you think of a time when you had to work together with friends to solve a problem, like in the book?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in a different place or time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their responses to encourage deeper thinking.
Relate the plot or characters to your child’s real-life experiences for personal connections.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's answers to encourage further exploration of the themes.
Discuss the moral or lesson of the story and how it can apply to everyday situations.
Praise your child for their insights and ideas to boost their confidence in expressing opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Mad Dogs', the pack of dogs must work together to solve problems and navigate their environment, demonstrating how cooperation is crucial to achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn to collaborate with others, whether in school projects or group sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The characters in the book encounter various obstacles but continue to persevere, teaching children the value of persistence even when faced with difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by not giving up easily, whether in their academics, learning new skills, or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The dog pack includes diverse breeds with different skills, promoting the message that differences should be celebrated and can contribute to the strength of a group.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diversity among their peers and learn to respect and value everyone's unique traits and abilities.
Example Lesson: Creative problem solving
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the dogs must come up with inventive solutions to overcome challenges, showcasing the importance of thinking creatively.
Real-World Application: Children can enhance their problem-solving skills by thinking outside the box in various situations, from resolving conflicts to innovative thinking in school projects.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and caretaking
Explanation: As the dogs take care of each other in the pack, the book highlights themes of responsibility and the importance of looking after those around you.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take on responsibilities at home, like caring for pets or helping in family duties, developing a sense of accountability.