The Unfriendly Book
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Bertha thought that she was Judy's best friend and was jealous when Judy played with other kids.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the behavior of the characters in the book make you feel?
Why do you think the characters acted unfriendly? What could they have done differently?
Can you think of a time when you felt like one of the characters? What did you do in that situation?
How do you think the story would change if the characters were friendly to each other?
What are some ways we can be kind to people who are not nice to us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on personal experiences similar to those in the book. Use empathetic listening and respond with understanding to their thoughts. Highlight the importance of empathy and kindness, relating it to the actions of the characters. Draw parallels between the book and real-life situations to make the discussion more relatable. Ask follow-up questions based on their responses to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Unfriendly Book,' the characters navigate misunderstandings and discover that empathy can bridge differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the feelings of others and understand diverse perspectives, fostering more compassionate interactions in their daily encounters.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: The story provides examples of how characters resolve conflicts peacefully and thoughtfully.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to apply peaceful conflict resolution techniques like discussion and compromise in their interactions with peers and siblings.
Example Lesson: The Power of Apology
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to apologize, showing the positive impact of admitting mistakes and seeking forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to take responsibility for their actions and understand the value of an apology to mend relationships.
Example Lesson: Openness to Making New Friends
Explanation: The story promotes the idea of being open to forming new friendships, even with those who seem initially unfriendly.
Real-World Application: Children are prompted to be inclusive and welcoming, making an effort to know and befriend new classmates or neighbors.