Me and You
on Goodreads (499)
What’s inside...
A small bear goes for a stroll in the park with his parents, leaving their bowls of porridge cooling on the kitchen table. Meanwhile, a girl with golden hair is hopelessly lost in a big, frightening city when she comes across a house with the door left invitingly open. Inside are three bowls of porridge in the kitchen, three chairs in the living room, and three comfortable-looking beds upstairs, and no one seems to be home . . .
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different environments affect the mood of the characters in the story?
What do you think is the message of the story about friendship and understanding?
How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the characters?
Why do you think the author chose gorillas as the main characters?
What could we learn from the relationship between the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of the characters by asking them how they think the characters felt during specific events in the story.
Discuss the illustrations and how they add depth to the story, asking your child what they notice and how it contributes to their understanding of the text.
Relate the story to your child's experiences by comparing situations from the book with moments they’ve encountered, fostering a deeper personal connection to the themes.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how understanding and kindness can lead to friendship, just as depicted between the characters in the book.
Praise thoughtful responses and validate your child's feelings, ensuring a comfortable and open environment for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Me and You', the story juxtaposes two perspectives of the same event, allowing children to see situations through different eyes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning how to understand and respect different viewpoints, helping them build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The book shows the crucial role of friendship during challenging times, highlighting the support friends can provide.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the value of supporting each other, fostering a sense of belonging and cooperation in school and play.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Through its narrative, 'Me and You' demonstrates how characters overcome adversity, teaching children about resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to face life's challenges with courage and to remain steadfast despite difficulties.