My Friend Andy
on Goodreads (59)
What’s inside...
The book 'My Friend Andy' tells the story of a young protagonist who forms a friendship with Andy, leading them on various adventures where they learn about life and friendship. Meanwhile, 'Fluffy the Little Lost Dog' is a thought-provoking story set in the big city, where Fluffy, after getting lost, befriends Andy and his owner. Through these new relationships, Fluffy finds his way home and gains a deeper understanding of compassion and inclusion. Emma Chinnery uses a gentle narrative approach to spark conversations about complex social issues.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Andy a good friend?
How do you feel when Andy shares his toys?
What would you do if you were in Andy's place in the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Andy did?
Why do you think listening is important in friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their personal experiences by relating them to Andy’s actions in the book.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to explore the themes of sharing and kindness.
Highlight moments in the story where characters show empathy and discuss its importance.
Use expressions and voice modulations to make the reading experience more engaging and to emphasize key lessons from the book.
After reading, connect the story to real-life situations to reinforce the values discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'My Friend Andy,' the main character learns to understand and share the feelings of a new classmate who is shy and reserved.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by noticing when peers are feeling left out or upset and offering friendship or support to help them feel better.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The story demonstrates inclusivity as the characters make an effort to involve everyone in school activities, regardless of their differences.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice inclusivity in real life by inviting peers from different backgrounds or with different interests to participate in group games and projects.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Andy, despite being shy, gathers the courage to participate in a school play, which is a significant theme in the book.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being brave and trying new things, like joining a club or speaking in front of class, can lead to new experiences and self-growth.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The central theme of the book revolves around building strong, supportive friendships regardless of personal fears or societal barriers.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to form meaningful connections, support their friends in need, and cherish their friendships.
Example Lesson: Respect for Differences
Explanation: Through the interactions between characters, the book teaches children to respect each other's unique qualities and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate diverse viewpoints and characteristics among their classmates and community members.