The Steves
on Goodreads (323)
What’s inside...
When puffin Steve meets another puffin named Steve, they are both shocked and struggle with the idea of sharing their name. They question who is the original Steve and if one of them is superior, which leads them to wonder if it's worth fighting over a name. They grapple with the concept of identity and whether a name defines who they are.
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Steve
Discussion points
Why do you think the two characters both want to be called Steve?
How do the Steves show their feelings when they argue?
What are some ways the Steves could solve their problem?
How do you feel when you share something with others?
What did you learn from the story about getting along with others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about sharing and resolving conflicts, relating it to their own experiences.
Ask your child to think of different endings for the book, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the importance of empathy by considering each Steve’s perspective.
Highlight key moments in the book where the Steves could have made different decisions, helping your child understand consequences and choices.
Use a playful tone to mirror the light-hearted and humorous nature of the book, keeping the discussion enjoyable and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Identity and Individuality
Explanation: The story highlights two puffins, both named Steve, who initially squabble over who gets to keep the name, but ultimately come to appreciate their unique traits.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and embrace individual differences, understanding that each person is unique even if they share similarities with others.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: The Steves argue but eventually find a way to resolve their misunderstanding, showing the importance of communication and compromise.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children effective strategies for resolving disputes and the importance of peaceful interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Despite the initial conflict, the two puffins discover that they can be friends, illustrating the value of friendship even amongst differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn that friendships can blossom with anyone, regardless of initial disagreements or similarities, fostering social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Humor in Problem Solving
Explanation: The book uses humor to diffuse the tension between the characters, portraying a light-hearted approach to conflict.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use humor as a tool to handle minor conflicts and challenges in everyday life, promoting a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: The story conveys messages about the importance of sharing and cooperating, even over something as simple as a name.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of sharing and working together, principles that can be applied in play, school, and family activities.