Farewell Floppy
on Goodreads (244)
What’s inside...
It was the perfect plan: abandon pet rabbit Floppy in the woods and take a giant leap toward adulthood. Having a bunny that moonlights as a best friend is for babies, right? It's better to cut a pet loose, make new human friends, and not be so dependent on a floppy-eared fur ball bent on chewing electrical cords, right? If saying good-bye to Floppy is required to grow up, why does life without Floppy seem so wrong? From Benjamin Chaud, the critically acclaimed author/illustrator of The Bear's Song and The Bear's Sea Escape, comes this unforgettable, thought-provoking picture book about the power of unlikely friendships.
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he decided to say goodbye to Floppy?
Why is it important to make tough decisions sometimes, even if they make us sad?
What are some ways the boy showed he cared about Floppy?
Can you think of a time you had to let go of something you loved? How did it make you feel?
What does this story teach us about friendship and responsibility?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic language to relate to the emotions displayed in the story, such as sadness, joy, and relief.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, affirming that it’s okay to feel mixed emotions.
Discuss personal experiences of saying goodbye to make the conversation more relatable and meaningful.
Highlight the moral dilemmas and decisions the characters face to enhance understanding of the book’s themes.
Ask your child how they might have ended the story differently and explore alternative outcomes together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-discovery
Explanation: In 'Farewell Floppy,' the protagonist's journey of deciding whether to keep his pet rabbit reflects a deeper exploration of his own wants and needs.
Real-World Application: Children learn to evaluate their personal feelings and make decisions that align with their true selves, promoting self-awareness and confidence.
Example Lesson: Understanding responsibility
Explanation: The story highlights the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, emphasizing the need for care and attention towards another living being.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of being responsible and dependable, traits that are valuable in school tasks and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of companionship
Explanation: As the boy contemplates giving up his rabbit, he reflects on the companionship and joy his pet has brought him.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to value and nurture relationships, understanding the emotional support that friendships can provide.
Example Lesson: Dealing with change
Explanation: The narrative of possibly parting ways with Floppy introduces the theme of change and how to cope with it.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt to changes and transitions in life, helping them manage uncertainties and new experiences with resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through the boy's emotional conflict, readers see the importance of considering how their decisions affect others, including pets.
Real-World Application: This lesson fosters empathy, teaching kids to be considerate and thoughtful of the feelings and needs of others around them.