Meesha Makes Friends
#1 of 10 in Big Bright Feelings Series
on Goodreads (878)
What’s inside...
Meesha loves making things but struggles with making friends due to her uncertainty with social interactions. However, she discovers a special talent that helps her navigate social situations and potentially forge new friendships. Tom Percival's 'Big Bright Feelings' series provides an affectionate exploration of the joys and challenges of friendship, self-expression, and finding one's place in the world. The series serves as a valuable tool for discussions on mental and emotional health, self-confidence, and managing feelings, making it a must-have for every child's bookshelf.
Discussion points
How did Meesha feel when she was trying to make friends? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some ways Meesha tried to connect with others? What would you have done in her place?
Why do you think it's important to have friends? How do you think friends help us?
Meesha uses her creativity to make friends. What are some creative things you could do to make new friends?
What did you learn from Meesha’s story about friendship and understanding others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about making friends and relate personal experiences, mirroring Meesha's journey.
Discuss the importance of understanding and empathy in friendships, using examples from the book and real-life scenarios.
Prompt your child to think about creative ways they can reach out to make new friends, emphasizing the value of individuality and creativity shown in the book.
Reinforce the message that everyone feels uncertain sometimes, just like Meesha, and that it's okay to feel that way.
Celebrate the theme of acceptance by discussing how everyone has unique qualities that make them special.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of making friends
Explanation: Meesha finds it hard to make friends and uses her creativity to communicate her feelings and create imaginary friends.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that reaching out and connecting with peers is essential, and they can use their unique skills to form bonds.
Example Lesson: Expressing oneself creatively
Explanation: Meesha uses drawing as a way to express her thoughts and connect with others when words are hard to find.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of using art or other creative outlets to share their feelings and thoughts with others.
Example Lesson: Overcoming social anxiety
Explanation: Through her journey, Meesha learns how to navigate her fears of social interactions and finds ways to join in with other children.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to face their fears of meeting new people and teaches them strategies to become more comfortable in social settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story shows the perspectives of both Meesha and the children she meets, highlighting misunderstandings and reconciliation.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to consider the feelings of others and the importance of understanding and forgiveness in friendships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: Despite initial difficulties, Meesha doesn't give up on her quest for friendship and eventually succeeds.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to keep trying despite setbacks, fostering resilience and perseverance in personal growth and relationships.