At the beach, Gregory draws a lion in the sand. He adds a looong tail as he explores the shore, getting farther and farther away from Dad. When he can’t see Dad anymore, Gregory follows the tail back to where he started and finds him.
A Beach Tail
Discuss the Book
Lion Without a Tail. Pages 1–7
- Important Moment: In the sand at the beach, Gregory draws a lion, Sandy, without a tail. Gregory’s dad says Sandy needs a tail. He also tells Gregory not to go in the water and not to leave Sandy.
- Ask and Share: What does Gregory draw in the sand? What are your favorite animals to draw in the sand or on paper?
Following Rules. Pages 8–15
- Important Moment: Gregory draws Sandy’s tail as he walks down the beach. He is still following Dad’s rules: He’s not going in the water, and—because he’s still drawing Sandy’s tail—he’s not leaving Sandy, either.
- Ask and Share: What rules is Gregory following? What rules do you follow at the beach, at the pool, or in your house?
Where’s Dad? Pages 16–25
- Important Moment: When Gregory turns around to look for Dad, he can’t see him. He starts retracing his steps by following Sandy’s tail.
- Ask and Share: What does Gregory do when he can’t see Dad? How do you think he feels? How do you feel when you can’t find the person who is looking out for you?
Back to Dad. Pages 26–32
- Important Moment: Thanks to Sandy’s tail, Gregory finds his way back to Dad. Then, together, Gregory and Dad go in the water.
- Ask and Share: How do you think Gregory feels when he finds Dad? Would you feel the same way? What would you say to Dad?