Klyde The Kraken Wants a Friend
What’s inside...
Dive into the hilarious story of a hug-loving kraken named Klyde, who learns valuable lessons about personal boundaries and social-emotional learning. Despite his love for giving hugs, Klyde’s immense size scares the ocean creatures away, and his hugs even lead to unwelcome consequences like shipwrecks. Through interactions with shipwrecked pirates, Klyde and the readers discover that while many appreciate hugs, others might prefer different forms of greeting. This 2023 Moonbeam Award-winning picture book by Brooke Hartman, filled with buoyant verses and complemented by Laura Borio’s charming illustrations, offers a delightful and heart-warming story set on the high seas.
Discussion points
Why do you think Klyde the Kraken was feeling lonely?
What are some ways Klyde tried to make friends? How would you try to make a new friend?
How did the other sea creatures react to Klyde at first? Have you ever felt the same way when meeting someone new?
What changed by the end of the story? How did Klyde and the other creatures feel about each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use facial expressions and voice modulation to mimic characters' emotions while reading, making the story more relatable and engaging.
After reading, ask your child how they might feel in Klyde’s situation, fostering empathy and personal connection to the story.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book, then describe why they chose that specific part, enhancing their comprehension and recall skills.
Discuss the importance of friendship and kindness, and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter or has experienced.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Klyde the Kraken, feeling lonely in the vast ocean, sets out on a quest to find a friend, showcasing the universal need for companionship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their friendships and understand the significance of building and maintaining relationships with their peers.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: Throughout Klyde's journey, he faces several challenges but does not give up on his goal to make a friend, teaching the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it’s solving a tough puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: Klyde meets various sea creatures who are different from him, yet he learns to embrace and celebrate these differences as he makes new friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and abilities of others in their community and school.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Klyde shows empathy towards the creatures he encounters, understanding their fears and feelings, which helps him form strong friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop empathy, enabling them to understand and share the feelings of others, a crucial skill for social interaction.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: As Klyde interacts with others, he learns to appreciate his unique qualities and realizes that being different is not a barrier to making friends.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to recognize and embrace their own individuality, enhancing their self-esteem and confidence.