The Five of Us
on Goodreads (211)
What’s inside...
Angie, Ollie, Simona, Mario, and Eric are five fantastic friends, each with an unusual ability. Disaster strikes on a day in the countryside, but by working together and combining their individual powers, they save the day. The Five of Us, filled with Quentin Blake’s fun and exuberant illustrations, serves as a powerful reminder that the world is a better place when we focus on our abilities rather than our limitations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What unique abilities do each of the characters possess and how do they use them to help each other?
How does the friendship between the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or a friend helped you, like in the story?
Why do you think teamwork is important, based on the adventures in the book?
If you could have any special ability like the characters in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on each character by relating to their unique traits or abilities.
Highlight the importance of inclusion and teamwork by discussing how every character contributes to the group's success.
Ask your child to imagine and describe an extra scene or adventure for the characters, enhancing their creative thinking.
Connect the story to real-life situations by discussing times when teamwork or friendship has helped solve a problem.
Praise your child's insights and encourage them to think deeper by asking follow-up questions to their responses.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story celebrates the unique abilities of each character, regardless of their disabilities, showing how their differences make them stronger together.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect individual differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity in real-life social interactions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: As the characters in the book combine their unique abilities to overcome challenges, it highlights the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of collaborating with others, whether in school projects or group sports, enhancing their cooperative skills.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The group faces various challenges throughout the story and must think creatively to resolve them, demonstrating effective problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to apply critical thinking and creative problem-solving in their daily challenges, be it in academic tasks or personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: Each character's journey to discovering their personal strengths fosters a sense of self-confidence.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and recognize their own abilities, boosting their self-esteem and confidence in various settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The characters show understanding and support for each other’s weaknesses and strengths, nurturing a caring group dynamic.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, which is crucial for building healthy relationships and emotional intelligence.