The Dog Who Belonged To No One (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
Show the illustration on the front cover, and ask "If you had to describe how this dog feels in one word what would you say? What do we call a descriptive word? Turn to your shoulder partner and share your one adjective or descriptive word. Allow a few students to share their thoughts. Next, I would read the title "The Dog Who Belonged to No One" and ask "So do you think the adjective that you chose would describe a dog that belonged to no one?" Hmm.. I'm wondering why the dog looks so happy but the title is "The Dog Who Belonged to No One." Next, Show the illustration on the back cover, I notice that the dog is riding in the basket of a girl’s bike. Now I’m really curious about this dog. Raise your hand and tell me what you are thinking now. Today we are going to read to discover just who this dog is!First, I would cover the title and ask the students to think of an adjective that would describe the dog on the front cover. This would draw the students’ attention, get them thinking about the illustration, and I could do a mini review on adjectives. Next, I would reveal the title and ask about the adjective they used to describe the dog. I would point out how a dog may feel if he were all alone, and then point out that the dog on the cover looks happy. I would also share with the students that I am puzzled because I would think that this dog would look sad. I would allow the students to share what they are thinking. Lastly, I would set the purpose for reading which is to learn who this dog is. This is a book about a little sad, lonely girl, a little sad, lonely dog, and how they find each other. It's a really depressing book with a happy ending. So, if you're into that sort of thing, you'll love this. Really, the story goes through all the hardships that this tiny dog has to endure, paralleled with the hardships Lia (the little girl) must go through. Paired with these descriptions are pictures that illustrate the sadness. All in all, the whole thing is pretty sad with about one page of happiness. Really great pictures though. There's a certain messiness to them that makes them really cool and very artistic. I really enjoy the pictures, even if the story made me want to cry.
What do You think about The Dog Who Belonged To No One (2008)?
A lonely dog with crooked ears and a lonely girl eventually find one another. Utterly charming.
—vk85
A lonely girl and a lonely dog are united by a storm. Simply told, with sweet illustrations.
—Aneesha
Sweet, beautifully illustrated and heart warming tale of completion.
—Remy
