Book details
Me, Too!
Description
There are many reasons why Annie is best friends with Lillemor, who is from Sweden. "They're the same age ... They like the same colors ... They like doing the same things ... They can both speak another language. Okay, so Annie made hers up, but she is pretty sure it still counts." Annie and Lillemor like each other so much they play together every day. But then Lilianne, a new girl from France, arrives. Annie can't stand that Lillemor has become friends with Lilianne, and that Lilianne seems to have more things in common with Lillemor than Annie does --- even their names, which both begin with "Lil"! Has Annie lost her best friend forever? This funny, honest picture book by Annika Dunklee perfectly captures the rhythms of youngsters' friendships and emotions, while also reminding them that there's always room for new people in their lives. The playful artwork by Lori Joy Smith uses dialogue bubbles to enrich the text, which offer an opportunity for acting out the story in the classroom while it's being read. A special touch here is the use of two other languages, Swedish and French (with translations), to expand young children's understanding of who they can be friends with, making this a terrific book for introducing foreign languages and cultures. This charming, engaging story can also serve as a springboard for discussions on friendship and feelings, character education lessons on inclusiveness, and social studies classes on multiculturalism.
Age
4-7
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
32 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Empathy and Understanding: 'Me, Too!' by Annika Dunklee is a story that fosters empathy by showing the importance of friendship and the feelings that arise when someone feels left out. Reading this book can help readers, especially children, develop a better understanding of their own emotions and those of others.
- Social Skills Development: The book provides a narrative that can help children learn about social dynamics and the value of including others. It's a great tool for parents and educators to initiate conversations about inclusion, sharing, and how to navigate friendships.
- Engaging Illustrations: The book is filled with colorful and engaging illustrations that capture the attention of young readers. These illustrations not only complement the story but also add a visual element that can aid in comprehension and maintain interest.
- Relatable Theme: The theme of wanting to be part of a group and the phrase 'Me, too!' is something that many children can relate to. This book can be a comforting read for kids who have experienced feeling left out and can teach them how to cope with similar situations in the future.