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How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?

A boy really wants a special dog in the pet store window, but he does not have enough money. He attempts to earn the money needed, but spends his own money on his family members instead. Luckily, his family surprises him with the dog as a gift.

Interested in using this resource in your classroom? Check out the posters that go along with this book: Economic Wants, Goods & Services, Consumers, Trade & Money, Price.

Author: Bob Merrill

Illustrator: Iza Trapani

Published: 1997

Reading Level: 2.6

Grade Level: PreK-3

Accelerated Reader Level/Points: .5

Lexile Measure: NP

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Comprehension Questions

What is the economic want of the boy?

The dog in the pet store window.

Explain why the boy could not have what he wanted in the beginning of the story.

He had a scarcity of income! He didn’t have enough money to purchase the dog.

What are some other animals in the store the man thought the boy would want?

Hamster, gerbil, lizards, snake.

Why do you think the man was willing to sell the dog for $5 less?

He would probably still make a profit at that price. He wanted to make a sale!

What did the boy do to earn the money he needed?

He tried to make and sell lemonade.

Why wasn’t his lemonade stand successful?

It was raining and there was no demand for his lemonade. Few consumers wanted lemonade on a rainy day.

The little boy had trouble saving his money as well! Why? What goods did he purchase?

He spent his money helping others in his family. He bought these goods: yogurt, chocolates, and tissues. These goods satisfied the economic wants of his family.

How did he eventually get the dog?

His parents bought it for him.

Extra Credit Question!

In the story, the dog was really a good that was for sale. (This is because it took work and effort to breed, care for, and get the dog ready to sell.) When is an animal considered a natural resource?

Wild animals are considered natural resources.