Author: Caralyn Buehner
When a little wiener dog named Dex is teased and taunted by other bigger animals, he desires to be big and strong. So he trains to become a hero for his town. When Dex is called to save a cat that has been the meanest to him, the cat realizes that he has been wrong in teasing Dex. After Dex rescues the cat, the cat decides he too wants to train with Dex and become a hero.
This book is a good example of a fantasy because it involves characters that are not normally able to talk in real life. Dex and the rest of the animals talk and express emotions.
A teacher could use this book in a classroom to show kids that they can be heroes by expressing kindness and being helpful to those that are in need of help, even to those who are not kind to us. A teacher could explain that everyone can be a hero by the way they behave and act towards others.
The plot in this book contains all elements of literature. It contains a problem (Dex being small), and conflict (the other animals teasing Dex for his size), and a resolution (Dex saves the day and the other animals then show him respect).
Media: Oil Paints