Bailey and Friends Have a Party
#3 in Bailey and Friends Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
So Bailey & Friends is based on real characters. Bailey is a chocolate lab, Avalanche is a black and white Siberian Husky, Mollie is a black Great Dane with white markings, Paris is a white long-haired Chihuahua, and Reese is a chocolate short-haired Chihuahua. One afternoon, while watching his son and the dogs playing outside, the author was inspired to write a story about Bailey and friends having a party. Each character has unique traits: Bailey is obedient, Avalanche is take-charge and bossy, Mollie is impulsive, Paris is humorous, and Reese is shy and easily frightened.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of Bailey's party and why?
How did Bailey and his friends work together to solve problems during the party?
If you were at Bailey's party, what games would you like to play?
How did the story make you feel when Bailey's friends helped each other?
What would you do if you were organizing a party like Bailey?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, show enthusiasm and interest in your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life scenarios, such as cooperating during group activities or planning a family event, to make the concepts more relatable.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios in the book, enhancing their creative and critical thinking skills.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, fostering a connection between the book's content and expressive creativity.
Share your own thoughts about the book and its characters to create a two-way conversation that validates your child’s opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In 'Bailey and Friends Have a Party,' Bailey learns to share his toys and snacks with his friends during the party, which makes everyone feel included and happy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their possessions with siblings and classmates, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Valuing friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Bailey shows appreciation for his friends by planning the party and ensuring everyone has a good time, demonstrating the value of friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to nurture their friendships through kindness and thoughtful gestures, improving their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: When an issue arises at the party, Bailey and his friends work together to find a solution, showing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach challenges in their daily activities with a calm and collaborative attitude, aiding them in school projects and family tasks.
Example Lesson: The joy of celebration
Explanation: The book highlights the excitement and happiness that come from celebrating special occasions with loved ones.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to participate actively in family and school celebrations, understanding the importance of creating joyful memories.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Bailey invites friends from various backgrounds to his party, promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and respect people’s differences in their community, enhancing social harmony and acceptance.