Emily and Alice
Emily and Alice Series
What’s inside...
Emily and Alice are next-door neighbours and the best of friends. These three stories tell how the two get to know each other and how each learns to compromise to stay best friends. Emily and Alice are next-door neighbors and best friends-most of the time. The two girls are irresistible characters, unique and likable. Stevenson’s cartoonlike illustrations give just the right touch to the stories-the girls skip, skate, and splash through their friendship, ponytails and shoelaces flying. The stories are wise and humorous, a pleasure to share.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Emily
Alice
Discussion points
How do Emily and Alice show their friendship throughout the story?
What would you do if you were in Emily's place when she faced a challenge?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Alice helped Emily?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
How do you think Emily felt during the story? How can you tell?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, maintain eye contact and show genuine interest in your child’s responses to make them feel valued.
Use follow-up questions based on your child’s answers to dig deeper into their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more meaningful and relatable.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene. This can provide insights into what they remember and what resonated with them.
Praise your child for their thoughts and ideas during the discussion to boost their confidence and encourage them to share more.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story showcases the bond between Emily and Alice, emphasizing how they support and care for each other through various challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that being a good friend involves kindness, support, and empathy.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Emily and Alice face several problems that they solve together, demonstrating teamwork and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to approach challenges with a positive attitude and work collaboratively with others to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: Emily and Alice have different personalities and preferences, yet they respect and celebrate their differences, which enriches their friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate diversity and learn to respect others' views and experiences, fostering a more inclusive attitude.