Mac’s Big Wish 
by 
Oregon Author Peter Vanderwall and Oregon Illustrator Janis Lillian
Nominated by the Oregon State Literacy Association for the 
Patricia Gallagher Children’s Choice Picture Book Award

Grade 4 Extension Activity
Reference to Oregon English Language Arts and Literacy Standards, Grade 4. 

Classroom Organization:
Students individually read Mac’s Big Wish, and then in a small group discuss the story. Discussion prompts: Who are the characters in 
Mac’s Big Wish? Who are the five main characters? Explain how the character “Mac” changes from the beginning until the end of the story?

Standards Addressed:
4.RL.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text. 

4.W.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information. 

Background:
Puppy Mac grows up in a pet rescue and Adult Mac becomes a therapy dog. 

Literary Vocabulary:
An opinion is what you think and feel about something. 

When you summarize: You make your summary shorter than the text. Use your own words. Include main events and details of the story.

Writing Prompts: Interpret the emotions from the illustrations in 
Mac’s Big Wish to (a) defend your opinion in prompt, and (b) summarize:

(a) In your opinion, which characters encourage Puppy Mac to be hopeful that someone will adopt him? 
(4 or more sentences. Cite examples from the text.)

(b) Summarize Mac’s inner feelings as he transitions from 
a puppy in a pet rescue to a therapy dog in a care center. 
(4 or more sentences. Cite examples from the text.)