Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator!
What’s inside...
6½ stories about 2 surprising friends. Having a stuffed alligator for a best friend can be surprising. Sometimes Amanda surprises her alligator with books. Sometimes Alligator surprises Amanda by eating them. But what happens when Amanda brings home a special—and not entirely welcome—surprise? The result might be unexpected indeed. Beloved author-illustrator Mo Willems has created a funny and tender portrait of friendship that readers of any age will love.
Age
3-6
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Amanda
Alligator
Discussion points
Why do you think Amanda was surprised by Alligator’s gift?
How did Amanda and Alligator show they cared for each other?
What would you do if you were Alligator, waiting for Amanda to play with you?
How do you think Alligator felt when he found out Amanda had a new panda? How would you feel?
What do you think makes a good friend, like in the story of Amanda and her Alligator?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading the book together, then ask your child the open-ended questions to spark a discussion. Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character feels or what they might do next. Share your own thoughts and feelings about the story to model reflection and deepen the conversation. Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences with friends or surprises. After discussing, consider creating a small drawing or craft related to the story's themes to reinforce the book's lessons in a fun, memorable way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The story showcases the deep bond between Amanda and her alligator, emphasizing mutual care and support.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding the importance of being there for one another.
Example Lesson: Embracing change and surprises
Explanation: Alligator learns to deal with his initial jealousy and surprise when Amanda brings home a new friend, demonstrating adaptability.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be open to change and to handle unexpected situations with grace, helping them adapt to new siblings or school environments.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Amanda and Alligator encounter situations that require them to think creatively to resolve.
Real-World Application: Encourages critical thinking and creativity in children, allowing them to apply these skills in everyday problem-solving scenarios.
Example Lesson: The joy of reading
Explanation: Amanda frequently reads to Alligator, highlighting the enjoyment and importance of books.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to read more frequently, either independently or with family, fostering a lifelong love for reading.