Noodle and the No Bones Day
Noodle and Jonathan Series
What’s inside...
An instant #1 New York Times bestseller! From the creator of the viral 'Bones or No Bones' TikTok videos comes a sweet and entertaining picture book following Noodle the pug and his human as they navigate Noodle's first No Bones Day—a day for being kind to yourself! Noodle is a sweet, silly old pug who enjoys doing all his favorite activities with his favorite human, Jonathan. But one day when Jonathan goes to take Noodle on his morning walk, he finds Noodle still comfortable in bed. When Jonathan lifts Noodle up, Noodle just flops over. It's almost like Noodle woke up without any bones! Noodle isn't sick or sad—but he also isn't interested in going for walks or sitting outside (he will accept snacks, though). Today, all he needs are extra snuggles and belly rubs. Jonathan soon learns that not every day can be a Bones Day, and sometimes a No Bones Day is exactly what you need to get through the week.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-2
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Noodle
Jonathan Graziano
Discussion points
How do you think Noodle feels on a no-bones day? Can you describe a day when you felt similar?
What are some things that Noodle enjoys doing even when he's having a no-bones day?
Why do you think it's important for Noodle to take a break sometimes?
If you were Noodle's friend, how would you help him feel better on a no-bones day?
What did you learn from Noodle about listening to your own needs and taking care of yourself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to show your child you understand their feelings, mirroring Noodle’s experiences to their own.
Encourage your child to express their emotions by discussing Noodle’s feelings and comparing them to their own on similar ‘no-bones’ days.
Highlight the importance of self-care and rest as shown by Noodle, discussing how your child can apply these lessons in their own life.
Ask your child to think of ways they can be supportive to friends, similar to how they think Noodle can be supported.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: Noodle, the protagonist, teaches children about listening to their bodies and acknowledging their feelings, whether they are up for activities or need a day off.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize their own emotions and communicate their needs to parents and teachers, fostering emotional intelligence from a young age.
Example Lesson: Respecting Boundaries
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of respecting others' boundaries through Noodle’s interactions, demonstrating that it's okay to have no-bones days.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and respect when their friends or family members need space or aren't up for certain activities.
Example Lesson: The Value of Rest
Explanation: Noodle shows that taking rest is not only acceptable but necessary, promoting a healthy balance between activity and rest.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the importance of rest in their daily routines, balancing playtime with downtime to recharge.
Example Lesson: Listening Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters demonstrate active listening, which plays a crucial role in understanding and supporting each other's needs.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice active listening with peers and adults, enhancing their communication skills and empathy.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individuality
Explanation: Noodle’s unique personality and his no-bones days highlight that everyone is different and that’s something to be celebrated, not corrected.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and celebrate individual differences, promoting inclusivity and self-acceptance in diverse settings.