For Teachers, Parents, Grandparents & Librarians

Sadie and Moose in the Classroom, at Home, and at Grandma and Grandpa's

Sadie and Moose on the Loose is a rhyming picture book for ages 4 and up about two real dogs, an Aussie Shepherd mix named Sadie and her best friend Moose, who slip out of the yard for an adventure. It's written for reading aloud, which makes it a great fit for storytime, classrooms, bedtime, and cozy afternoons on a grandparent's lap.

I spent my career in public library management, so I know how much a good storytime activity helps. Everything on this page is free to use, whether you're a teacher, a librarian, a parent, or a grandparent.

Before You Read

  • Look at the cover together. Who do you think Sadie and Moose are? What do you think "on the loose" means?
  • Do you have a pet, or a pet you'd like to have? What would it do if it got out of the yard?

Questions for After Reading

  1. Why do you think Sadie and Moose wanted to leave the yard?
  2. What was your favorite part of their adventure?
  3. How do Sadie and Moose show they are good friends?
  4. How do you think their family felt when the dogs were gone?
  5. What should you do if you see a dog that got loose? (A good time to talk about staying away from dogs you don't know and telling a grown-up.)
  6. Can you find two words in the story that rhyme?

Activities

  • Rhyme hunt: Read a page aloud and pause before the last word. Can the kids guess the rhyme?
  • Draw your own adventure: If Sadie and Moose got out again, where would they go? Draw it!
  • Map the escape: Draw a map of the path Sadie and Moose took, from the yard and back again.
  • Meet my dog: Draw your own pet (real or imaginary) and tell the class its name and one thing it loves to do.
  • Ask a grandparent: Did Grandma or Grandpa have a pet when they were little? Ask them its name and the silliest thing it ever did, then draw it together.
  • Keep the gate closed: Make a pet safety poster with rules for keeping pets safe at home.

Free Coloring Sheet

Sign up for my mailing list on the homepage and I'll send you a free Sadie and Moose coloring sheet, plus news about book 2.

School & Library Visits

I love visiting schools, libraries, and bookstores. A visit can include:

  • a read-aloud of Sadie and Moose on the Loose
  • the true story of the real Sadie and Moose, with photos
  • a short talk about how a picture book is made, from words to illustrations
  • a Q&A and book signing

I'm based in the Dallas area. Contact me to set up a visit.

Find the Book

Available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Librarians, teachers, parents, and grandparents: you can ask your library to order it using the hardcover ISBN 9798218628772.