Me, Too!
What’s inside...
There are many reasons why Annie is best friends with Lillemor, who is from Sweden. They share the same age, favorite colors, and hobbies, and both speak another language, although Annie's is made up. They enjoy playing together every day, but their friendship is tested when Lilianne, a new girl from France, arrives. Annie feels threatened as Lilianne shares more in common with Lillemor, including similar names starting with 'Lil'. Annie fears losing her best friend forever. This picture book by Annika Dunklee, illustrated by Lori Joy Smith, explores the dynamics of young friendships and emotions, highlighting inclusiveness and the introduction of foreign languages and cultures through engaging dialogue and artwork. It serves as a perfect tool for discussions on friendship, inclusiveness, and multiculturalism in educational settings.
Discussion points
How did the main character feel when she found out she wasn't the only 'Annie' in class? How would you feel in a similar situation?
What are some ways that Annie and the other 'Annies' discovered they were different from each other? Can you think of a time when you discovered something unique about a friend?
Why do you think it was important for the 'Annies' to find their unique qualities? How does it make you feel about your own qualities?
How did the 'Annies' work together to solve their problem? What does this tell us about teamwork and friendship?
If you were going to introduce yourself to someone new, what special thing about you would you share?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone to encourage open expression of thoughts and feelings.
Relate the questions back to the child’s own experiences to make the discussion more personal and engaging.
Praise the child’s responses, even if they are simple, to encourage more detailed conversation as they think through their answers.
Allow for pauses after asking questions, giving the child time to think and form their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Me, Too!', the story revolves around the main character who learns the value of friendship through shared activities and experiences with her friends.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing the joy and support that friendships bring into their lives and learning to cultivate them through kindness and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Embracing individual uniqueness
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Me, Too!' learns to appreciate the unique qualities of herself and her friends, rather than feeling the need to compete or compare.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and respect everyone's differences in their daily interactions at school or in the playground, promoting a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy
Explanation: As the characters in the book interact, they show understanding and care for each other’s feelings, effectively modeling empathetic behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more attuned to the emotions of others around them, helping them build stronger and more supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book showcases characters solving minor conflicts and misunderstandings among themselves through communication and mutual agreement.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of addressing issues calmly and collectively, applying these strategies in their own life when conflicts arise.
Example Lesson: The joy of shared experiences
Explanation: Throughout 'Me, Too!', the characters share several fun activities that bring them closer, highlighting the happiness found in shared experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to participate in group activities, whether in educational settings or in play, fostering teamwork and shared joy among peers.