Companion Guide for
Parents and Mentors
(The teacher’s guide can be found here)
Is This My Home? is more than a story—it’s a journey through themes of growth, courage, independence, and discovering where we truly belong. To help children connect more deeply with Timber’s adventure, we’ve created two thoughtful companion guides: one for parents and one for teachers.
This Parent and Mentor Guide provides thoughtful questions and insights that parents can use to reflect on the story’s themes with their children, fostering personal growth and understanding in everyday life.
These guides are designed to inspire meaningful conversations, offering questions and insights that help young readers reflect on the important life lessons woven into Timber’s search for home.
The Parent and Mentor Guide
This guide helps adults discuss Is This My Home?, the story of a puppy named Timber searching for the right home. Like Timber, we all need to find places where we can thrive—whether that’s a home, school, job, or group of friends. For even more details about each of these questions, check out the Teacher’s Guide For Is This My Home?
As you use this guide to help a child learn the lessons, try to think about times that you’ve had these experiences and share them — the personal connection will make the lessons really come alive!
Q: Why did Timber’s brothers leave him?
Sometimes we outgrow places or situations without realizing it. Timber’s brothers may have thought he was ready to care for himself. New beginnings can be scary, but they always teach valuable lessons.
Q: Why was Timber less sad when he started his journey?
Exploring alone challenged Timber and revealed how new experiences spark personal growth and increased awareness of the world.
Q: Why wasn’t the beach right for Timber?
The beach suited the Vacationing Crab and beaches are fun, but it wasn’t safe or healthy for Timber, who has different needs.
Q: Why wasn’t the boat right for Timber?
The busy fishermen couldn’t give Timber the attention he needed, which would leave him frustrated, lonely and without purpose.
Q: Why couldn’t the King provide a home for Timber?
Despite his wealth, the King has many obligations just like everyone does. One of those is taking care of his wife, the Queen, and the Queen’s cat. This would make it impossible for him to offer Timber a comfortable life with a good family environment.
Q: Why did Timber talk to the Salmon, even though the advice wasn’t helpful?
The Salmon, though wise, didn’t have the perfect answer. Asking experts can still offer useful insights, even when their advice doesn’t solve the problem, and even experts don’t always know the right answers.
Q: Why weren’t the hunters good for Timber?
The hunters’ dog was neglected, showing they weren’t capable of helping a dog like Timber reach his full potential.
Q: Why was hiding from the storm a good idea?
Taking time to protect and reflect during tough moments is important. But, like Timber, it’s also essential to stay hopeful and brave.
Q: If Timber’s home was right for him, why wasn’t the door wide open?
Even the perfect place requires courage to explore. We must still work hard and continue to take steps to find what’s right for us.
Q: Why had the Tall Man waited years for Timber?
The Tall Man had been searching for the right dog, just like Timber was looking for the right home. When they met, they both realized they had found what they needed.
Lastly, real puppies also need homes where they can grow mentally, physically, and emotionally. A strong bond comes from meeting these needs.