The Dog
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A little lost dog chases a string.
Age
4-8
Length
17 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the dog in the story feels when he meets new friends?
How would you help a friend who feels scared like the dog did?
What are some ways that the dog shows he is happy or sad?
Why do you think it's important to be kind to animals?
If you could ask the dog a question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of the dog, relating them to their own feelings in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of friendship and empathy, drawing parallels between the dog's experiences and their own.
Ask your child to imagine different endings to the story and encourage them to explain why they chose that ending.
Highlight the moral lessons in the book, such as kindness and bravery, and ask your child how they can apply these in their daily life.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the dog, making the story more engaging and relatable for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story follows a young child learning to take care of a new puppy, emphasizing the daily tasks and dedication required.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small chores at home, like feeding a pet or tidying their room, learning that consistency is key to care.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions between the child and the dog, the book showcases the importance of understanding and responding to the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice recognizing emotions in family members and peers, and respond kindly, mirroring the child's attentive behavior to the dog.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The bond that develops between the child and the puppy illustrates the mutual trust and joy that friendship can offer.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to build friendships by sharing, playing cooperatively, and being supportive companions, similar to the relationship in the book.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The child learns that training and understanding a pet takes time, teaching the virtue of patience throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital when children engage in learning new skills or dealing with others, showing that patience can lead to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The narrative highlights the child’s efforts to teach the puppy new tricks, despite facing challenges along the way.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting in tasks, whether in schoolwork or personal goals, understanding that effort is essential for success.