Guard Dog Diggory Level 17-18

Guard Dog Diggory introduces young readers to a light-hearted and suspenseful story about a loyal dog who unwittingly foils a truck theft. When Mac leaves his dog Diggory in the back of his truck, the vehicle is stolen-but Diggory refuses to abandon his bone or the truck. His determination helps the police track down the robbers and recover the stolen vehicle. With engaging use of direct speech and colloquial expressions, this humorous narrative strengthens readers' understanding of dialogue and character development. Connections to a previous title (A Home for Diggory) offer continuity for familiar readers, while new readers will enjoy the standalone story. Word study elements include contractions, compound words, and past tense verbs, providing multiple entry points for grammar exploration. The story encourages students to make predictions, analyse character motives, and infer meaning, all while being entertained by Diggory's antics and heroism.

Educational Benefits:

• Reinforces narrative comprehension through character motivation and plot analysis.
• Develops vocabulary and spelling with focus on contractions and silent letters.
• Supports understanding of past tense verbs in context.
• Encourages critical thinking through prediction and inference.

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a comic strip retelling the story from Diggory's perspective.
• Write a police report about the truck theft, including witness statements.
• Explore the theme of responsibility and caring for pets.
• Conduct a class discussion on loyalty and bravery.

Safety & Information:

• Ages: 6-8
• Book size: 200mm x 210mm
• Paperback, 24 pages
• Safety: No choking hazards; suitable for small group and whole class reading