Why I Picked It Up:
This was an accidental library find. I was searching for a book and this one was on display. The dog’s face caught my attention. Normally, I am not drawn to the darker color books, but the expression on this dog’s face is priceless! I had to find out what has him so disgruntled.
Why I Finished It:
This book is so complex for as simple as it is. Little Brown is a dog who doesn’t include himself in play with the other dogs. They run around and fetch and play, while he becomes crankier and crankier in the corner. As the reader, we have insight into what he is thinking and how he is feeling. He decides to slowly snag every toy the other dogs have and he hoards them in his corner. Eventually, he has the lot. The other dogs are unsure about how to approach cranky Little Brown. Again, as the reader, we are being told what they are thinking about when and how to ask for the toys back. The other dogs are wondering why Little Brown is the way he is and if he will ever give them the toys back and Little Brown is contemplating the same thing! In the end, they are still wondering and think maybe tomorrow Little Brown will be included and return the toys. I reread it a second time, inserting students I had had in the past. This story really offers genuine insight as to what people think and feel in social situations.
Who I Would Give It To:
This is a perfect first month read for elementary students. It’s a great way to discuss rules, playground expectations, and friendships.
Integration Ideas:
Making Connections (Social Connections)
Every student will connect to this story on some level. We are always wondering why people act the way they do, we’ve all been unsure about approaching some people, and we’ve all dealt with altercations over things. After reading the story aloud, give students about 5 minutes to talk in a small group or with a partner about connections they had to this story. I have no doubt they will be quite chatty. After they’ve had an initial conversation, ask them a more specific question. For example: Have you ever wondered why some people stay by themselves instead of interacting with a group? Allow students time to really think about all the reasons why someone might do this.
Have a conversation with the students about how they can be more responsive to other students. Ask students to discuss, “How can I welcome students into a group?”, “What can I do if I want to be more included?”
These conversations can all be turned into possible writing topics during Writers’ Workshop. Have students write down ideas they have had during this time that they might want to write about later.
Perspectives
One of the great elements in this picture book is that the reader is exposed to both points of view. We have the perspective of the other dogs and Little Brown’s. Ask students to work in small groups to talk about how the points of view are similar, yet different. Ask students how the varying points of view help the reader and how does it change how the reader feels?
Make Predictions (Shared Writing)
The end, very clearly, leaves us hanging. We are unsure what the dogs will do and what will happen. Students can make predictions or even try to help the dogs solve their problems. As a class, do a shared writing adding a final page or two to the story.
How have you used this story?
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