Me and the Boss: A Story About Mending and Love
illustrations by
on Goodreads (382)
What’s inside...
All the highs and lows of having a bossy, protective, and loving older sibling are depicted in this picture book. Meet Lee, a little boy who won't give up until he learns how to sew, and Zora, the sister who watches him try--and ultimately succeed!
I know big sisters. Zora, the boss, she's mine, explains Lee as he and Zora head to the library, where Mrs. C is teaching the children how to sew. Though Zora sews a beautiful flower on her cloth square, little Lee makes a mess out of the half-moon he is trying to stitch. That night, when he can't sleep, he gives sewing another try...and succeeds, even mending the hole in his pants pocket! The next morning, he sneaks into Zora's room and sews the ear back on Bess, her stuffed bear. When Zora discovers Bess, she wraps Lee in her special big sister hug--for just a moment--and then is back to being the boss once again.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main characters felt when they had to fix something that was broken?
What do you think 'mending' means in the context of relationships or friendships?
Can you share a time when you had to fix something with a friend or family member?
Why is it important to repair things and relationships?
How did the characters show love and care for each other throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to connect the story to their own experiences by asking them about times they've had to mend something or fix a misunderstanding with someone else. Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in resolving conflicts. Discuss the emotions of the characters at different points in the story, and ask your child how they might feel in similar situations. Use examples from the book to talk about the value of persistence and kindness in nurturing relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of forgiveness
Explanation: The story illustrates how the main characters resolve their misunderstandings and learn to forgive each other's mistakes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to forgive their friends or family members when misunderstandings occur, fostering stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Me and the Boss: A Story About Mending and Love' come together to solve problems, showing that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cooperate with others in group activities at school or in play, teaching them the importance of working together.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The book highlights how open communication can mend relationships and resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express their feelings and communicate openly with others, which is vital for their emotional development and conflict resolution skills.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in the book make mistakes but learn from them, which helps them grow and improve.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that making mistakes is a part of learning and that they should use their experiences to better themselves.
Example Lesson: Showing empathy
Explanation: The story portrays characters showing empathy towards each other's feelings and situations, helping them to bond and understand each other better.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate of others' emotions and perspectives, which enhances their social interactions and emotional intelligence.