A Surprise for a Friend (Barbie) (Pictureback(R))
Pictureback(R) Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Girls 3 to 7 will love to read how Barbie's friends plan to surprise her with the ultimate party. But when Nikki injures her leg and can't attend, Barbie gives Nikki a surprise of her own! This full-color storybook features press-out friendship cards and over 50 stickers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you were Barbie and had to plan a surprise for your friend?
How do you think Barbie's friend felt when she got the surprise?
Why is it important to show kindness and do nice things for others?
What are some other ways you could surprise and make a friend happy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal experiences with surprises, both giving and receiving, and relate those feelings to the story.
Discuss the value of friendships and the joy of doing kind acts for others.
Ask your child to imagine their own version of a surprise for a friend and describe what they would plan.
Use the story as an opportunity to teach empathy by focusing on how actions affect the feelings of others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the value of friendships through Barbie's thoughtful efforts to organize a surprise for her friend. It shows the joy and appreciation that comes from kind gestures among friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their friendships and understand the importance of being thoughtful and considerate towards their friends in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and planning
Explanation: Barbie uses her creativity to plan a special event, demonstrating problem-solving and organizational skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination and creativity to solve problems and organize activities, both at school and at home.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The story emphasizes the happiness that comes from giving and making others happy, rather than just receiving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by finding ways to make others happy, whether through sharing toys, helping out at home, or doing something special for someone.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Barbie collaborates with others to make the surprise successful, demonstrating the effectiveness of working together.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to participate in group activities and work cooperatively with others in school projects or team sports.