Not Really Buddies: Buddy and Bea
What’s inside...
A laugh-out-loud new illustrated chapter book series celebrating the roller coaster highs and lows of life in a second grade classroom. Buddy has a good feeling about second grade. He knows where to go, his best friend is in his class, and he’s ready for a great year. And then Bea shows up—new, tardy, and showing off brand new stitches. Buddy was not expecting Bea. Bea's fast talking and upside-down thinking leave Buddy feeling buzzy—and with his hair full of mayonnaise. How will he and Bea ever figure out how to get along in the same classroom community?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Buddy felt when he first met Bea, and why?
What changes did you notice in their relationship from the beginning to the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend who was different from you? How did you feel?
Why is it important to give people a chance, even if they seem different at first?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think the characters are feeling.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing their personal friendships and how they have grown.
Encourage your child to think about the moral of the story and what they can learn from Buddy and Bea's relationship.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, making the story more engaging and relatable for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Through the interactions between Buddy and Bea, the story demonstrates how friendships can develop between very different individuals and the mutual benefits that those friendships can bring.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and seek friendships with peers who might not share the same interests or backgrounds, helping to build diverse and supportive social networks.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The narrative showcases Buddy and Bea navigating their differences and using them to complement each other, rather than letting these differences drive a wedge between them.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to respect and embrace individual differences in their classmates and peers, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving through teamwork
Explanation: The book highlights several instances where Buddy and Bea must work together to solve problems, emphasizing the strength of collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which is crucial in group tasks at school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, Buddy and Bea learn to understand and empathize with each other’s feelings, which strengthens their bond.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathizing with others' emotions and perspectives, fostering a more compassionate attitude towards friends and family members.