My Cousins My Friends, Mis Primos Mis Amigos
What’s inside...
My Cousins, My Friends Mis Primos, Mis Amigos is a bilingual book in English and Spanish that celebrates the special bond between cousins who love each other like best friends. The book highlights how cousins can be a person's first best friend and how that connection can grow into a strong friendship, regardless of when they meet in life. It emphasizes the commonalities they may discover and the mutual understanding they may share. The book also explores the idea that while some people may have many cousins, others may wish for just one, and how a cousin can sometimes become a best friend. It includes pop-up text to enhance readability. This book is a tribute to cousins everywhere and makes a thoughtful gift to honor these cherished relationships.
Discussion points
How do the characters in the story show they care for each other? Can you think of ways we show care in our family?
Why do you think understanding and celebrating different cultures is important in the story?
What did you learn about friendship from the book? How can you apply it in your own friendships?
How did the characters resolve their misunderstandings? Can you think of a time you solved a disagreement with a friend or sibling?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, who and what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the bilingual nature of the book to explore new Spanish words together. Discuss their meanings and try using them in daily conversations.
Relate the cultural aspects in the book to your own family traditions or explore new ones, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, affirming their responses to build confidence in expressing themselves.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book or to write a short letter to one of the characters, enhancing their connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story demonstrates the importance of embracing diversity through the interaction between cousins from different cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing acceptance and curiosity towards peers from diverse cultures in their community or school.
Example Lesson: The Value of Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout the book, the cousins demonstrate strong family bonds by supporting and enjoying their time together, showcasing the significance of family relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to spend quality time with family members, building lasting relationships and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Bilingual Language Skills
Explanation: The book uses both English and Spanish, promoting bilingual language development among young readers.
Real-World Application: Children can practice bilingual skills by using both languages in everyday communication, enhancing cognitive flexibility and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity and Acceptance
Explanation: The cousins include each other in various activities regardless of their differences, teaching inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of including everyone in school activities, regardless of their background or abilities.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: The cousins share their toys and work together in games, highlighting the values of sharing and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can exhibit sharing and cooperative behavior in group settings such as classrooms or playgrounds, fostering teamwork and social skills.