Eddie: Harold's Little Brother
What’s inside...
Eddie wants to be like his big brother, a very good athlete, but is not good at sports, so Harold helps him discover how to use his own special talent--talking. Young Eddie can't play baseball like his big brother Harold, but Eddie is a fine talker, so Harold helps him realize his speaking talents, in a book based on the relationship between former New York City mayor Ed Koch and his older brother.
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Eddie felt when he tried to play with Harold and his friends?
Why is it important to include everyone in our games and activities?
What are some ways you can be a good big brother or sister like Harold?
Can you think of a time when you felt left out? How did you handle it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to bring the characters to life, emphasizing the emotions Eddie and Harold experience.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any similar situations they might have faced and how they felt during those times.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in Eddie’s shoes and explore different ways they can be inclusive in their daily interactions.
Reinforce the messages from the book by highlighting the importance of kindness and respecting others' feelings during your discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Eddie demonstrates empathy by understanding and responding to his brother Harold’s feelings, even when they are unspoken.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to observe and respond to the emotions of others, promoting better relationships and social understanding.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: The story highlights the special bond between siblings, showcasing the joys and challenges of having a younger brother.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and nurture relationships with their own siblings or close relatives.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Eddie encounters various challenges and learns to solve them creatively, showing resilience and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles in school or in their social interactions.
Example Lesson: Personal Growth
Explanation: Throughout the book, Eddie grows from experiences and learns from his mistakes, reflecting a journey of personal development.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to view their mistakes as learning opportunities and to embrace personal growth.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Eddie takes on responsibilities as Harold's little brother, learning the value of being dependable.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being responsible in their own tasks, whether in household chores or in completing school assignments.