Very Best (Almost) Friends
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
Very Best (Almost) Friends, edited by Paul B. Janeczko, is a collection of 24 diverse poems about friendship by contemporary authors such as Elizabeth Jennings, Judith Viorst, and Colin McNaughton. Illustrated by Christine Davenier, the book offers a humorous and unsentimental examination of the complexities of friendship, featuring a range of poetic styles and themes from playful teasing to heartfelt connection.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did the characters do to show they were friends?
How do you think the characters felt when they had a disagreement?
What are some ways you can be a good friend?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like in the story?
What do you think is the most important part of being a friend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the characters’ emotions, which can help your child understand and relate to the story.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences to those of the characters, fostering a deeper connection to the book's theme.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene and explain why they chose it.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask predictive questions, enhancing your child's critical thinking and engagement with the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Through the collection of poems about friendship in various forms, 'Very Best (Almost) Friends' showcases how relationships can deeply affect us.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that these relationships play a significant role in emotional support and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The book includes poems that deal with misunderstandings and reconciliations between friends, illustrating healthy ways to deal with disputes.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these conflict resolution techniques in school or playground settings, promoting harmony and understanding amongst peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Many poems reflect the feelings and perspectives of others, encouraging readers to see the world from different viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This promotes empathy and can help children in becoming more compassionate and considerate in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Expressing feelings through art
Explanation: The book demonstrates how poetry can be a powerful form of expression, allowing emotions and thoughts to be conveyed artistically.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore poetry or other art forms as a way to express themselves, enhancing their emotional literacy and creativity.
Example Lesson: The value of diversity
Explanation: Friendships in the poems cross various backgrounds and experiences, highlighting the beauty and importance of diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to embrace and celebrate differences, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in their communities.