The Day My Dog Got Famous
What’s inside...
The book follows the journey of Ferris Foster and his pet dog Aldo, who becomes an unexpected internet sensation after Ferris brags to his neighbor, Destiny, about Aldo's potential fame. Amidst various humorous events and challenges, the story explores themes of friendship and family, capturing the adventures of Ferris, Aldo, and Ferris' foster sister, Tia, as they navigate the ups and downs of newfound fame. Authored and illustrated by Jen Carney, the book is a funny and heartwarming caper perfect for fans of lighthearted, adventurous tales.
Age
8-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character’s life change after their dog became famous?
What qualities do you think make the dog special or unique in the story?
How do the friends and family react to the dog's fame, and what does this tell us about their personalities?
If your pet became famous, what do you think would be the most exciting part?
What would you do if you were in the main character’s shoes and your pet suddenly became famous?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a story about a time when something unexpected happened to you, similar to the main character’s experience.
Emphasize the values of friendship and support depicted in the story, asking your child how they support their friends in times of change.
Encourage your child to think about the responsibilities that come with fame and success by discussing the main character’s challenges.
Use the story as a springboard to discuss the notion of 'fame' and whether it always leads to happiness, guiding the child to reflect on what truly makes them happy.
Relate the story back to your child’s own experiences with pets or animals, asking them how they would feel and react in various scenarios presented in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story demonstrates the importance of responsibility as the protagonist learns to take care of his famous dog by feeding, grooming, and managing its schedule.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on more responsibility at home, such as caring for a pet, cleaning their room, or managing their school assignments.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: Despite the dog's fame, the protagonist remains humble, emphasizing the value of humility even in the face of sudden popularity.
Real-World Application: This lesson is applicable in situations where children achieve success or recognition, reminding them to stay humble and appreciate the contributions of others.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of his dog amidst its new challenges, demonstrating empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by recognizing and respecting the feelings and needs of friends, family members, and even pets.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of perseverance as the protagonist navigates the ups and downs of his dog's fame.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying and not give up when faced with difficult situations or tasks.
Example Lesson: Respecting Privacy
Explanation: The protagonist learns to maintain his dog’s privacy and protect it from unwanted public attention, promoting respect for privacy.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of respecting others' privacy, including asking permission before sharing someone’s information or photos.