Activities

Who Are You Like?

A page from the book 'The Hunt for Shadowclaw' depicting the main characters (Lenny, Bearnice, Fred, Gunzales, and Shadowclaw) and their key traits

Look at each character in this image. Read their main characteristics.

• Which character is most like you?

• Which character is the most different from you?

• What listed characteristic do you want to work on strengthening in your own life? For example, Gunzales is “loyal,” and perhaps you want to be more loyal to your friends this year. Bearnice “loves to dance” when she’s stressed. What helps you calm down when you feel uncomfortable?

• Shadowclaw doesn’t have characteristics listed. Why is that, do you think? Make a list of characteristics for her that you know from her actions.

New York City!

The characters in book run all over NYC during their adventure. Have you ever been to New York City? Have you visited another big city? What was your favorite part? Did anything make you feel uncomfortable or scared? If you’ve never been to a big city, do you think you’d like it?

Maps

Maps show streets and parks and bridges and buildings in a city. Can you make a map of your favorite park? Does it have trails? Ponds? A bridge or a playground? Maps are like a bird’s eye view. How can you think like a bird and show what the park looks like from above?

Medal of Honor

In the story, Lenny wants to win a medal of honor for hard work as a K-9 dog. Use the button below to download a coloring sheet with a medal of honor on it. Color it and present it to a friend or family member for something great they did for you or for someone else.

Favorite Movie Quote
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Do you have a favorite movie quote that you say sometimes (or a lot!) like Fred? What is it?

Fred quotes some newer movies and some old ones, too. Here are all the movies that Fred quotes in the book. Have you seen them? Watch the original advertising trailers, choose one, and watch it!

Lenny's Favorite Games

K-9s work hard AND play hard—and just like kids, dogs learn by playing! Here are some games you can play with a dog in your life to have fun and help them build the skills Lenny and Gunzales use in their K-9 training. 

Face Paint Fun

Use face paint to become your favorite character! Ask a grown-up for help making and applying face paint.
• Bearnice: A happy bear with sparkles and big pink glasses
• Fred: A worried duck with headphones
• Lenny: A funny, determined puppy face with the tongue hanging out
• Gunzales: A fierce, beautiful dog face

Dance Break

Turn on your favorite jams to move and groove like the characters! Pick your favorite or try them all. 
• Bearnice: Swirly whirly dancing
• Fred: Sharp robotic motions
• Gunzales: Swift, precise salsa steps
• Lenny: "I don't dance" (start with a small nod or toe tap and then explode with sudden full-body moves)
cartoon-style illustration of a superhero's fist punching upwards

image by gstudioimagen1 on Magnific

Superpowers

Lenny’s superpower is his speed and trail scenting. Bearnice’s is noticing others’ feelings and her kindness. Fred’s is his problem-solving and intelligence. Gunzales’s is her grit and determination. All these characters use their superpower in spite of the challenges they also have.

On a piece of plain paper, draw yourself wearing a superhero cape. Then write the answers to these questions on the other side.

• What is your superpower?

• What is your challenge?

• How do your challenge and superpower work together to make you special?

Now ask other people what their superpower is! You might be surprised.

The Hunt for Shadowclaw

by Alison James

Lenny is a bright, confident, young dog who dreams of being a member of the elite New York K-9 force. His lack of hind legs doesn’t hold him back. When he hears that a panther has escaped from the circus, he realizes this is the opportunity he has been waiting for!

In his search, Lenny meets Fred, a duck with autism who speaks only in movie quotes, and Bearnice, a dancing bear with Down syndrome. They combine their skills and try to find the panther. But when things go south, Lenny has to decide where his loyalties lie: his new friends or the K-9 unit?

An animal adventure that uses humor and heart to explore friendship and loyalty, perfect for reluctant readers looking for a fast-paced story with graphic novel elements.