For educators, families, and little readers
Open the conversation.
Everything you need to turn story time into a lasting SEL moment — guided questions for before, during, and after reading, plus the feeling words straight from Rocco's pages.
Educator discussion guide
Questions that open the conversation
These prompts are designed for preschool and kindergarten classrooms, but work just as well at the kitchen table. Use them before, during, or after reading.
Before you read
- 1
Have you ever felt like you didn't belong somewhere? What did that feel like?
- 2
What does it mean to have a forever home?
- 3
If you could give a dog a name, what would you choose — and why?
While you read
- 1
How do you think Rocco feels when he first arrives at the shelter?
- 2
Why does Maya want to give him a name? What does a name mean to her?
- 3
Can you point to a picture that shows a feeling? What feeling is it?
After you read
- 1
What made Rocco's new home a forever home? Was it the place, the people, or something else?
- 2
Have you ever helped someone feel like they belong? What did you do?
- 3
If Rocco could talk, what do you think he would say to Maya?
SEL word cards
Small words that open big conversations.
Each word is a gentle bridge between the page and a child's real world. Use them at circle time, at bedtime, or anywhere a feeling needs a name.
Afraid
When something feels really scary and your tummy feels funny inside.
What makes you feel afraid?
Confused
When you are not sure what is happening and your brain feels all mixed up.
Can you show me a confused face?
Curiosity
When you really, really want to know more about something.
What do you want to find out about today?
Excited
When something fun is coming and you can hardly wait!
What makes you feel excited?
Happy
That big, warm feeling when everything feels just right.
What made you happy today?
Laugh
When something is so funny the joy just comes right out of you!
What makes you laugh the most?
Proudly
That big, tall feeling when you did something really great.
What is something you did that made you feel proud?
Scared
When something feels too big or too much and you want to feel safe.
What do you do when you feel scared?
Surprised
When something happens that you did not expect — and your eyes go wide!
Tell me about something that surprised you.
Tired
When your body and your feelings need a little rest.
What helps you feel better when you are tired?
For teachers and families
How to use these words
Discussion words work best when they feel like an invitation, not a lesson. Here are a few gentle ways to bring them into your day.
Before you read
Pick one word and ask the prompt aloud. Let children respond freely — there are no wrong answers.
While you read
Pause on a page and name a feeling you see. Invite children to point to a picture that shows that word.
After you read
Return to a word that came up naturally. Ask: did we see that in Rocco's story? Have you ever felt that way?
Anytime
Keep a word visible in the classroom or on the fridge. When a moment arises, the word is already there.
Ready to bring Rocco home?
Get the book and give little readers a story that opens big conversations.