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As part of our 31 Picture Books For Homeschooling All Ages series, we have chosen kids’ books with vivid language, interesting stories and striking artwork to appeal to every person in your family. Dogger is one of our favorites!

Our book posts also include a few activities — some simple, some more involved — for your entire family to enjoy together. Or not! Reading the book is enough in itself if that is all you want to do.

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Snuggle up and enjoy a picture book or two together as a family. It may be the highlight of your day.

Dogger Picture Book Details

PinDogger

Author: Shirley Hughes

Illustrator: Shirley Hughes

Dogger

This book was a winner from the moment I brought it home. Everyone loved it, but it became my son’s. It was almost as if he saw himself and his monkey in the story. It is very easy for most children to identify with Dave and his lost toy in this touching story, but you may be surprised at how it captures your heart as well.

Dave and Dogger have been together for a long time. Dave plays with and cares for Dogger almost as if he were real. But one day Dogger is lost! Mom and big sister Bella go looking high and low with Dave. Even Dad searches outside with a flashlight. No Dogger.

Finally Dogger is found at the school fair the next day! But getting Dogger back is not as easy as you might think.

This story is very touching. I love the family relationships that are portrayed here. Bella loves Dave and tries to help him any way she can. The night Dogger is lost she gives Dave one of her teddies. It isn’t the same, but it is still very kind. And in the end, Bella does more than that to get Dogger back. Be sure to have some tissues because the end makes me cry every time!

The artwork in Shirley Hughes’ books is very endearing. Soft boarders and a muted color scheme give the books an old fashioned, relaxed feel. Also, if you are a Dr. Who fan, be sure to check out the fancy dress parade page!

Dogger Homeschool Activities

#1 – What an amazing story to talk to your kids about having their siblings be their best friends. Even my oldest Ruth is inspired by this!

#2 – All of my kids ranging in age from seven to two enjoyed having a “Fair Day.” Think, old fashioned school field day. We went outside and had a few races that were mentioned in the book. An egg and spoon race, a three legged race, and even just a plain old race.

#3 – I just about died laughing as each one of my children grabbed their eggs and held them on the spoons and ran! “No, No! Wait! Go back!” I had to explain exactly how these races work. Be sure to give clear and complete directions.

#4 – Have yourself a “Fancy Dress Parade!” Have the kids make up costumes from things they find around the house. If you are brave, you can even join in! Then, have a contest and vote for who’s was the best, most creative, and any other superlative you can think of.

#5 – Inspire Imagination Through Creation has a great post on Dogger related activities for preschoolers. There was so much there I turned it into a mini Before Five in a Row for Benaiah.

Picture Book Lists For Homeschooling All Ages

 Looking for more picture book resources for your homeschool? Download our printable library and book list below!

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