Jennifer and Josephine
on Goodreads (448)
What’s inside...
A Bill Peet classic in which a rickety old car and a scrawny stray cat teach a lesson in the meaning of friendship. Kids will love this classic story from popular author Bill Peet, with fun illustrations and a rhythmic, easy pace that is sure to delight. A perfect gift for the child in your life.
Age
4-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Josephine
Sam
Jennifer
Discussion points
How do you think Jennifer felt when she found Josephine?
What are some ways Josephine helped Jennifer on their journey?
If you were to meet a new friend like Josephine, what would you do to make them feel welcome?
Why is it important to help others, just like Jennifer helped Josephine?
Can you think of a time when you felt a strong bond with a friend? What made that relationship special?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ interactions, focusing on empathy and kindness.
Discuss the problem-solving aspects of the book, asking your child how they might handle similar situations.
Point out the emotional growth of the characters throughout the book to teach resilience and adaptability.
Highlight Jennifer's acts of friendship and ask your child about qualities they value in their friends.
Use the journey of Jennifer and Josephine to talk about adventures your child might want to have or has had with their friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: The story portrays the deep bond between Jennifer, a car, and Josephine, a cat, as they experience adventures together, demonstrating how caring and loyalty strengthen friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being reliable and trustworthy friends in their interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout their journey, Jennifer and Josephine encounter various challenges but they show resilience by finding solutions together, highlighting the effectiveness of teamwork in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to stay determined and use creativity to solve problems they face at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: Jennifer undergoes changes from being a useful car to becoming an abandoned one. Her ability to adapt and find happiness in new circumstances teaches a valuable lesson about coping with changes in life.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace changes in their lives, such as moving to a new school or city, and find positive aspects in them.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Adventure
Explanation: The book vividly describes Jennifer and Josephine's adventurous trip, instilling a sense of adventure and the thrill of exploring new places and experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and enthusiastic about exploring the world around them, whether it’s a backyard or a new park.
Example Lesson: Caring for the Environment
Explanation: The story subtly touches upon the themes of abandonment and waste, highlighting how Jennifer, though old and battered, still has value. This can lead to discussions on recycling and reusing.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking care of their belongings and the environment by reusing and recycling items instead of discarding them.