Billy Dog's Bad Day

Billy Dog's Bad Day is written by Richard Scarry and is a part of the Richard Scarry book and also television series. I chose to focus on this book because I can remember it being read to me by my mum when I started school to allow me understand that it important to be kind to everyone and to treat people equally. 

When Lowly Worm, Huckle Cat and Sally Cat mishear the name of the new student at school as Bully Dog instead of Billy Dog, they become frightened of him. Throughout the day at school, Huckle and his friends think they are being nice to Billy Dog however are just too scared of him to try and talk to him and get to know him. When the school day is over, Billy approaches Huckle and Lowly and asks them why they were being so mean to him throughout the day. They couldn't believe that Billy thought they were being mean and explained to him that they thought he was the once being mean. They all laughed about the situation, shook hands and decided to be friends. Billy was now excited to live in Busytown with his new friends. 

I believe that this book would be great to use for young students who are new to school. It has a great underlying message to students, teaching them that it is important to get to know someone before you judge them. It also becomes evident that is is vital that you do not listen to what others have to say about them before you get to know them yourself. I believe that this is very important for students to understand as it can ensure that the all students in the class are friends which allows for a relaxed and happy learning environment. 

Students would also be able to relate to this story as they are new to the school scene as well. They are able to understand what Billy Dog feels like in regards to making friends and trying to get to know everyone. It allows them to understand that it is extremely important to get to know everyone before judging them.  

Scarry has also used animals throughout this book which is another clever to engage students. All students engage with animals and would find it interesting to see them with such human like characteristics. The illustrations throughout this picture book is also another way to get students interested in the story because they are bright and simple, yet show all the details of the story also.

This is another picture book which I believe portrays more important messages to students about "not judging a book by its cover."