The Council of Good Friends
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Vinay, Musa, Inua, and Nish are best friends whose bond seems unbreakable until Vinay's cousin shows up to share his room, invading their bunk bed haven. As they navigate this new dynamic, the story is filled with funny pranks and caring moments that beautifully depict the friendship between these young boys. This heart-warming tale is crafted for readers aged 6-9 by the award-winning author, Nikesh Shukla.
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'The Council of Good Friends' show kindness and why is it important?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as any of the characters in the book?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
How did the friends in the book help each other solve problems?
What did you learn about friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes to create a comfortable space for open conversation.
Encourage your child to think about how the story relates to their own life experiences, fostering deeper understanding and empathy.
Praise your child’s responses, even if they interpret the story differently, to encourage their analytical thinking skills.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s comments to extend the conversation and show genuine interest in their perspective.
Summarize key points at the end to reinforce the lessons and values discussed in 'The Council of Good Friends'.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Council of Good Friends,' the characters must work together to solve a challenging problem that affects their community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in school projects or in sports, learning the value of cooperation and collective effort.
Example Lesson: Respecting others' differences
Explanation: The story showcases a diverse group of characters who each bring unique perspectives and skills, highlighting the strength found in diversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to embrace individual differences among classmates and friends, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters learn the importance of clearly and respectfully expressing their thoughts and feelings to resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson to improve their communication skills with family and friends, fostering stronger relationships and better problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Taking responsibility for actions
Explanation: Characters in the story learn to accept responsibility for their actions, which leads to personal growth and reconciliation.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of owning up to mistakes and learning from them, which is crucial for personal development.