How did Thomas and McGrowl show bravery when facing danger?

This is a discussion prompt for Every Dog Has His Day by Bob Balaban. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What clues made Thomas and McGrowl suspicious of Pop and Mamie Keeler?

This is a discussion prompt for Every Dog Has His Day by Bob Balaban. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Why is it important to trust your instincts, even if adults are involved, and how can you seek help safely?

This is a discussion prompt for Every Dog Has His Day by Bob Balaban. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How did Thomas and McGrowl work together as a team to stop the villains?

This is a discussion prompt for Every Dog Has His Day by Bob Balaban. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Every Dog Has His Day

Name: Every Dog Has His Day
ISBN: 9780439434560

by Bob Balaban

For kids who love mysteries and proving grown-ups wrong, this action-packed story celebrates bravery, friendship, and stopping evil plans with a trusty dog.

About This Book

While on a class trip to Devil's Island, Thomas and his dog pal, McGrowl, suspect evildoings of their leaders, Pop and Mamie Keeler, and must stop their plan to destroy Cedar Springs with a dangerous volcano.

Concepts

Fear & Bravery Justice & Fairness Good vs. Evil Friendship & Loyalty Teamwork & Collaboration Dogs Mystery Adventure Humor School Life Nature & Outdoors

Heads up, parents

peril_danger

Wonderlit Review

Every Dog Has His Day is a fast-paced chapter book that plunges readers into an exciting adventure alongside Thomas and his loyal dog, McGrowl. What begins as a seemingly innocent class trip to Devil's Island quickly escalates into a thrilling mystery when the duo uncovers the sinister intentions of their chaperones, Pop and Mamie Keeler. These seemingly harmless leaders are, in fact, villains plotting to unleash a dangerous volcano to destroy Cedar Springs. Thomas and McGrowl must use their wits, courage, and teamwork to thwart the Keelers' destructive plan. The book handles the concept of 'evildoings' and peril in a clear, good-versus-evil framework, making it accessible for younger readers without being overly frightening. The danger of the volcano is prominent, but the narrative focuses on the protagonists' heroic efforts to overcome it, leading to a triumphant emotional arc. This book is ideal for children who are drawn to animal stories, mysteries, and action-packed adventures. It's particularly well-suited for kids who enjoy a straightforward plot where heroes save the day through cleverness and bravery. Parents might find this a great choice for a child looking for an engaging chapter book, especially if they love dogs or stories about kids solving big problems. It's also a good option for reluctant readers, as the exciting premise and animal companion can be highly motivating. Before reading, parents could discuss the importance of trusting one's instincts if something feels wrong, even with adults, and how to safely seek help from other trusted grown-ups. Younger readers (ages 4-7) will likely enjoy this as a read-aloud, captivated by McGrowl's role and the clear stakes. Older readers (ages 8-11) can tackle it independently, appreciating the suspense and the dynamic duo's problem-solving. The unique blend of a class trip, a dog hero, and a volcano-centric villainous plot sets this book apart from other adventure stories, offering an empowering tale of a child and his canine companion making a significant difference.