Doe's Dandelions: Woodland Friends
#4 of 4 in Woodland Friends Series
What’s inside...
In 'Doe's Dandelions: Woodland Friends,' Daisy the young doe discovers a field of dandelions and invites her woodland friends to enjoy the day with her. Through playing in the dandelions, they learn about sharing, appreciating nature, and the value of friendship. In a parallel story, as Doe prepares for the Spring Petal Parade, she finds her garden overtaken by dandelions. Upon consulting her friends, she learns that dandelions have various uses and value to each of them, leading her to appreciate the dandelions. The book concludes with instructions for readers to plan their own Petal Parade, emphasizing the worth of all things, even dandelions.
Discussion points
How do you think Doe felt when she found the dandelions in the woodland?
What would you do if you were one of Doe's friends in the story?
Why do you think dandelions were important to Doe and her friends?
How can we help our friends just like Doe did in the story?
What is something new you learned about woodland creatures from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences with friends. Use the questions to guide a discussion about the importance of kindness and helping others, as demonstrated by Doe and her woodland friends. Highlight the natural elements in the book, fostering a connection with nature and exploring local flora like the dandelions in your own neighborhood.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Doe's Dandelions: Woodland Friends', Doe and her woodland friends work together to organize a surprise party. Each character contributes by using their unique skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with others, appreciating diverse talents and working as a team to achieve common goals in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Doe shows empathy by noticing that one of her friends is feeling left out and goes out of her way to make them feel included.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be observant of others' feelings and to act kindly, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in playgroups.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The woodland creatures experience the happiness of planning a party not for themselves, but for another friend, demonstrating the value of selflessness and the joy of giving.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to enjoy participating in acts of kindness, such as sharing toys or helping at home, understanding that happiness often comes from giving rather than receiving.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: When the party almost gets rained out, the characters quickly think of a solution to move the party to a sheltered spot, showing effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying calm under pressure and thinking creatively to solve problems they might encounter in everyday life.