I, Cosmo

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The story of one dog’s attempt to save his family, become a star, and eat a lot of bacon. Cosmo’s family is falling apart. And it’s up to Cosmo to keep them together. He knows exactly what to do. There’s only one problem. Cosmo is a Golden Retriever. Wise, funny, and filled with warmth and heart, this is Charlotte’s Web meets Little Miss Sunshine – a moving, beautiful story, with a wonderfully unique hero, from an incredible new voice in middle-grade fiction – perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead and Kate DiCamillo.

Teaching Ideas and Resources:

English

• Write your own story from the point of view of a pet.
• Retell part of the story from Max’s point of view.
• Create a persuasive poster to encourage people to support a local dog rescue shelter.
• Make a list of arguments for and against dog dancing competitions.
• Make a timeline showing the main events in the story.
• Cosmos’s favourite film is Grease. What film do you enjoy most? Why? Could you write a review?
• Write a report about how dogs can help us.
• Make a list of commands that a dog might know. How would you go about teaching a new command?
• Watch this video in which the author introduces the book. What questions would you like to ask her?

Computing

• Make an animation which features a dancing dog.

Art

• Use a range of materials to create pictures of different breeds of dog.
• Using information from the text, draw a picture of Max.
• Draw a portrait of your pet or of a favourite animal.
• At one point in the story, Max and Emmaline make up a story about Cosmo saving the neighbourhood with a squirrel on his back. Use this idea to create a comic strip.

Geography

• The beach is Cosmo’s favourite place. Where is your favourite place? Write a review of it for a travel site.

History

• How have animals helped people at different times throughout history?

Physical education

• Create a dance routine that could be performed at a competition.

PSHE

• Cosmo supports Max when his parents separate. How could you help a friend experiencing a similar situation?