Discussion Question Category: Philosophy of Childhood

I Am the Dog

Cover of book I am the dog. Illustration of boy and dog face to face.

What are the benefits and downsides to being a human? What are the benefits and downsides to being a dog? Max and Jacob decide that being a dog is better than being a human. Does that seem right to you? Are all dogs’ lives the same? Are all humans’ lives the same? If you could I Am the Dog

Charlotte’s Web

Fern asks her father if he would have killed her if she had been born small. He replies that there is a difference between a human child and a pig. Is he right? Is it a difference that makes it right to kill pigs but wrong to kill humans? Why are some lives considered more Charlotte’s Web

Pout-Pout Fish

How is one destined to be glum or happy? Is there destiny? Why do people feel so uncomfortable around an unhappy person? Is it wrong to be gloomy? Does one have the right to be unhappy? How does the kiss help Pout-Pout Fish to become cheerful? Is it okay to kiss someone you don’t know? Pout-Pout Fish

Albert’s Impossible Toothache

Turtles don’t have teeth, but Albert says he has a toothache. Is Albert just imagining that he has a toothache? Is it possible for imaginary aches to hurt as much as real ones? Is it possible that Albert is pointing at a real ache, but not a toothache? Can we point to things and talk Albert’s Impossible Toothache