The Friend
What’s inside...
Annabelle Bernadette Clementine Dodd, a good but odd little girl, navigates life with the help of her caregiver, Beatrice Smith or Bea. Belle and Bea share daily chores, shopping, and baking, and often end their day with a trip to the beach. However, a life-changing event occurs when Belle sneaks out to play alone one afternoon. This story, with lyrical rhymed text and emotionally packed pictures, portrays the powerful bond between a girl and her loving guardian.
Age
6-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Belle
Bea
Discussion points
How do you think Belle felt when she made a new friend? Can you tell me about a time you made a new friend?
What do you think is the most important quality in a friend? Why?
How do the illustrations in the book help you understand the characters' feelings?
If you were in Belle's place, how would you have reacted to the events in the story?
Why do you think the author chose to tell this story? What message do you think she wanted to share?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after reading significant passages to ask your child how they feel about the situations occurring in the story.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by relating the story's scenarios to their personal experiences.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explore more about why they picked that part.
Enable them to use their imagination by asking how they would end the story differently and discuss the potential outcomes of their version.
Praise their responses to instill confidence and promote an open dialogue about their feelings and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story illustrates the deep bond between Belle and her housekeeper, Beatrice, showcasing how friendships can cross social and age boundaries.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and cultivate friendships with people who are different from them, fostering inclusivity and empathy from a young age.
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: Beatrice consistently demonstrates acts of kindness towards Belle, which enriches Belle's life and brings joy to both characters.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to perform acts of kindness in their daily interactions, potentially leading to more harmonious relationships at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: Belle expresses herself through letters and drawings, which helps her navigate her feelings and experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore creative outlets like writing or art to express emotions, enhance communication skills, and boost self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Times of Change
Explanation: The characters adapt to changes in their lives, showing resilience and the ability to maintain a positive outlook during transitions.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to remain flexible and resilient when faced with new situations or challenges, helping them to manage stress and adapt more easily.