Our Very Own Dog: questions to ask and activities to try
Sophie the rescue dog comes home with her new family. Our Very Own Dog is a charming, information-packed story about looking after a first pet.
What age is it for? Our Very Own Dog is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Getting a pet, and how to care for it.
Our Very Own Dog (Amanda McCardie and Salvatore Rubbino)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Getting a pet, and how to care for it
Read the story first, then go back to the small facts on each page. It's great before getting a pet, or to answer the “can we get a dog?” question honestly.
What it helps with
- Getting ready for a pet
- Responsibility and care
- Reading an animal's feelings
- Rescue animals and kindness
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Where did Sophie come from?”
- “What did the family need to buy?”
- “How did they learn what Sophie was feeling?”
- “What jobs does a dog owner have?”
- “Which job would you do?”
- “What animal would you like to look after?”
5-minute activities to try together
Pet jobs chart
Make a chart of jobs a pet would need each day, and who in the family would do each one.
Animal feelings
Look at pictures of dogs and guess how each one feels from its ears, tail and face.
Free printables: Our Very Own Dog worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Lulu Gets a Cat (Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw)
- Best for
- Getting a pet, and learning to look after it
- Age
- 2-6
Dogs (Emily Gravett)
- Best for
- Opposites, choosing a favourite, and a twist
- Age
- 2-5
Dear Zoo (Rod Campbell)
- Best for
- First words, animals and lifting the flaps
- Age
- 0-4
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.