Daring Dexter: Fun Activity Ideas

Craft a pilot badge to celebrate the real-life aviators who fly rescue animals. Discussion Tip: Discuss how pilots like the author use their skills to help homeless pets start new chapters.

Instructions:

1. Identify the role of the pilot in the book.

2. Cut a badge shape out of cardboard.

3. Wrap the cardboard tightly in aluminum foil to give it a metallic appearance.

4. Use a permanent marker to draw a propeller or wings on the surface.

5. Tape a safety pin to the back to wear the badge while playing airplane.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Cardboard

• Aluminum foil

Create paper airplanes to act as rescue planes for stuffed animals. Discussion Tip: Ask your child why Dexter needed a plane to get to his new home and how the pilot helped him find safety.

Instructions:

1. Read the book aloud to understand how rescue dogs travel by air.

2. Fold sheets of paper into various airplane designs.

3. Decorate the planes with rescue symbols or animal drawings.

4. Set up a soft landing zone using pillows to represent a rescue shelter.

5. Gently fly the planes toward the shelter to deliver stuffed animals to their new homes.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Printer paper

• Markers

Act out an adoption day scenario where a rescue pet meets their forever family. Discussion Tip: Ask your child what questions a new family should ask to make sure their pet feels safe and loved.

Instructions:

1. Read the book to focus on the moment Dexter found his new family.

2. Assign roles: one person acts as the shelter volunteer, one as the pet, and one as the adopter.

3. Set up a cozy space with blankets to represent the meeting area.

4. Practice greeting the new pet gently and offering treats or toys.

5. Conclude the roleplay by showing the 'new family' taking the pet home for cuddles.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Stuffed animals

• Blankets

Create art that captures the unique personality of a pet, just like Dexter's art. Discussion Tip: Ask your child what makes their favorite pet (or a pet from the book) unique and how they would draw that energy.

Instructions:

1. Recall how the book describes Dexter's swagger and his artistic nature.

2. Choose a pet to focus on and describe their personality out loud.

3. Use construction paper to collage an image that reflects that pet's personality.

4. Cut out shapes to show their funny ears, wagging tails, or soft fur.

5. Display the portrait in a 'gallery' on the wall to share with other family members.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Construction paper

• Glue sticks

Design a map of a dream pet shelter. Discussion Tip: Talk about the different areas a shelter needs to keep animals happy, like play yards, grooming stations, and cozy sleeping areas.

Instructions:

1. Read about Dexter and Zeke's life to spark ideas for a perfect animal home.

2. Use the poster board to sketch out different rooms for dogs and cats.

3. Draw paths, fences, and food bowls to ensure the animals have everything they need.

4. Label each area and explain why that space is important for a rescue pet's comfort.

5. Add stickers or cut-outs of animals into the spaces you created.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Large poster board

• Crayons