Let's be Friends: Friendship
Growing strong Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Big, the elephant, has no friends because he is too big, and Little, the mouse, has no friends because she is too little. They meet and become friends despite their differences and obstacles. This lift-the-flap board book, filled with warm and lively illustrations by Violet Lemay, teaches toddlers all about friendship. The book celebrates diversity and the importance of embracing our differences, showing diverse children from all over the world, and teaching that we are all worthy of friendship.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-4
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about being a good friend from the story?
How do you think the characters felt when they solved a problem together?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like the characters in the book?
Why is it important to listen to our friends' feelings?
What are some ways you can show kindness to your friends tomorrow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use personal stories from your own experiences with friends to connect with your child.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of a scene where they were a good friend, and discuss it together.
After reading, ask your child to name one new thing they would like to try with their friends.
Relate the book’s situations to your child’s real-life interactions and discuss possible outcomes.
Praise your child for insightful answers and empathy shown during the discussion to boost their confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of empathy
Explanation: Seoyun Choi illustrates empathy through characters who listen and respond to each other's feelings, demonstrating understanding and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by noticing when a friend or sibling is sad or upset and offering a listening ear or a comforting word.
Example Lesson: Importance of sharing
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of sharing through characters who willingly share their toys and snacks, showing that sharing can lead to more enjoyable playtime.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice sharing by taking turns with toys or sharing their snacks during school breaks, fostering a sense of community.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: Characters in the book face small conflicts and learn to resolve them through calm discussion and compromise, rather than anger and aggression.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their words to express feelings and resolve disputes during playtime or group activities, which is crucial for maintaining friendships.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: Choi's story promotes inclusivity by showing characters inviting others to join in their games, regardless of their differences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to include others in their activities, preventing feelings of isolation and promoting diverse friendships.