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Awesome Dawson



Last updated Monday, July 9, 2018

Author: Chris Gall
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 0316213306
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2018

Synopsis: EVERYTHING CAN BE USED AGAIN! That's Dawson's motto. He collects junk that people throw away and turns it into something STUPENDOUS. But when Dawson uses his skills to create a machine to do his chores for him, he discovers he might have invented something a little too... AWESOME. Can he stop the rampaging robot before it destroys the entire town?

Note to readers:
•  You could probably spend a lot of time on a picture walk, though you'll want to save time for reading.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think would make Dawson "awesome"?
•  What type of hobbies do you like?
•  What do you do around the home to help your family?
•  What kinds of things would make your chores easier?
•  What types of things can you re-purpose, re-use or recycle?

Vocabulary

•  workshop - a room or building in which goods are manufactured or repaired.
•  pliers - pincers with parallel, flat, and typically serrated surfaces, used chiefly for gripping small objects or bending wire.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What, if anything, did Dawson make?
•  What types of mistakes did Dawson make?
•  What is Mooey? How does Mooey help?
•  What do you think happened with the toilet? (See page that reads, "Have you already forgotten what happened with the toilet?"

Craft ideas:
•  Draw cartoon-like grids or use smaller squares of colored paper. Draw a pet or favorite character in each box with different costumes, etc.
•  Volunteers can bring soda or soup cans, plastic forks or spoons, and tape for kids to make caterpillars.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!