What are some ways you like to play with your pets?

This is a discussion prompt for Later, Rover by Harriet Ziefert. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What do you do when your family members are busy?

This is a discussion prompt for Later, Rover by Harriet Ziefert. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How does Andy feel when his family can't play? How does he feel when he plays with Rover?

This is a discussion prompt for Later, Rover by Harriet Ziefert. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Have you ever played so much that you got really tired, just like Andy?

This is a discussion prompt for Later, Rover by Harriet Ziefert. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Later, Rover

Name: Later, Rover
ISBN: 9780140380002

by Harriet Ziefert

When Andy's family is too busy to play, his energetic dog Rover is ready for action. But keeping up with a playful pup is more tiring than Andy expected!

About This Book

Everyone in Andy's family except the dog has an excuse for not playing with him, but playing with Rover tires Andy to the point where he has to make excuses to the dog.

Concepts

Loneliness & Belonging Love & Family Friendship & Loyalty Joy & Gratitude Resilience & Perseverance Empathy & Kindness Making Friends Sibling Rivalry Dogs Family & Siblings Friendship & Social Animals

Wonderlit Review

"Later, Rover" by Harriet Ziefert is a charming early reader that captures the universal childhood desire for play and attention. The story follows young Andy, who, finding his family members preoccupied with their own tasks, turns to his ever-eager dog, Rover, for companionship. What ensues is a delightful sequence of play, from chasing to fetching, that perfectly illustrates the boundless energy of a canine friend. The emotional arc is gentle and humorous, starting with Andy's mild frustration at being overlooked and culminating in a sweet, ironic twist where Andy himself becomes too tired to play, needing to make his own excuses to Rover. This book is particularly well-suited for children aged 4-7 who might be experiencing similar feelings of being overlooked in a busy household, or for those who simply adore dogs and the special bond they share with their pets. It normalizes the feeling of wanting to play and also the natural exhaustion that comes after vigorous activity. Parents can use this book to open conversations about family time, the importance of play, and how even pets can be wonderful companions. There are no sensitive topics or scary scenes, making it a perfect bedtime story or a comforting reread. Its simple, repetitive structure and clear narrative make it an excellent choice for emerging readers, while the heartwarming story ensures it's a read-aloud favorite. The humor lies in the relatable situation of a child's endless energy meeting a dog's even more endless energy, and the eventual role reversal.