Why I Love This Book

This book was actually a gift from Sean, one of my students a few years ago. He knew how much I loved my dog and thought I might like the story. The sweet thing is that he bought it at our school book fair with his own money and had it waiting on my desk with a note written on the inside front cover.

Now that you know why it's special to me, let me share a few thoughts on why it's a good book to read with your preschooler. This story has a pattern of sorts that starts to become predictable. It also has a character that doesn't have a role until the end of the story, but is present on the majority of pages. Can you find the mail carrier.  The fact that it points out goods (butcher and florist) and services (mail carrier and fire fighters) is also a bonus.
Finally, the book also includes a sidebar on the last page telling kids how they can help homeless animals... love that.
Themes
  • Perseverance
  • Struggle
  • Overcoming Obstacles (or attempting to do so)
  • Creative Thinking
  • Hope
Awards & Accolades
  • NY Times Bestseller 2018
Teachable Moments
This book offers multiple opportunities for learning that go far beyond what's printed on the page or seen in the illustrations. Here's a small sample:
  • Parts of a Book (Cover, Title, Author, Illustrator, Spine, End Papers...)
  • Persuasive Speech and Writing
  • Specific describing words (adjectives) soggy box, a dozen meatballs, 
  • Story Structure (Characters, Setting, Plot...)
  • Parts of a Letter
  • Order of Events /Plot- Where did the dog go first...  next, last..
  • Take a look at the front and end pages. After reading the book, ask your child to match the images on the stamps with parts of the story
Picture
 ​​ Click HERE to see what's included with each
​download purchased.
Please note that you are purchasing the resources only.

Subscribers receive 2 new titles in their inbox each month
​ at a 20% discount off single purchases!

Beyond the Book Resources

Each $3.99 Beyond the Book Download Includes:
  • Getting Started - an introduction to the Read it Again method
  • Comprehension Questions  -  A list of  questions that tap into different levels of understanding and foster conversations about the story
  • ​Vocabulary Flashcards - Along with the flashcards, you'll also receive ideas for putting the cards to use in multiple ways
  • Writing - We provide an image and story prompt designed to extend the theme of the story. No, we don't expect your child to write just yet. Instead, you can take down the dictation of the story your child tells.
  • Story Elements Page - Understanding what makes a story a story is an important skill.  This activity asks your child to identify the following: characters, setting, problem, solution, favorite part, and summary.
  • Cooking ideas related to the story
  • Art ideas related to the story
  • Links to  Great Games,  toys, manipulatives, and movies
  • Information on the Research behind ReaditAgain​
Important Note: This download does not include the book, only the resources listed above. The book may be purchased separately by clicking here. ​
It's really that simple...
​ One Great Story
 Multiple Readings
Fun & Educational Follow-up Activities
Subscribers receive 2 new titles in their inbox each month
​at a 20% discount off  the single purchase prices.

Can I Be Your Dog Themed Toys

Adding an element of play is yet another way to deepen the understanding of the concepts introduced within the multiple readings of the story.  You'll be surprised at the amount of learning that's transferred and reinforced through  imaginative play.
​
Why I Love These Specific Playthings:
  • Each item has a direct connection to Can I Be Your Dog?
  • There are no batteries.
  • They encourage imaginative play.
  • They make it easy to re-enact the story.
  • ​They take the learning another step forward.
Please note that these are affiliate links.
If you purchase anything through my  links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll make a small commission which helps me keep the lights on.  ​
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald