We Met a Police Officer Today: A Children's Picture Book About Facing Fear for Kids Ages 4-8
#2 in Fearless Friends Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
We Met a Police Officer Today is not just a picture book but a powerful tool designed to shape compassionate citizens, build bridges between law enforcement and communities, and promote unity and respect. Through the story of Carson and his friends, children learn the importance of looking beyond the uniform and recognizing the values, compassion, and bravery of police officers. This book encourages positive perceptions of law enforcement, open-mindedness, empathy, and appreciation for diverse societal roles. It provides a safe space for children to explore their feelings, engage in meaningful discussions, and understand the world around them more deeply.
Discussion points
How did the children in the story feel when they first met the police officer? Have you ever felt that way?
What are some ways the police officer helped the children feel safe?
Why do you think it's important to have police officers in our community?
If you were in the story, what questions would you ask the police officer?
How can we help each other overcome fears just like the characters did in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about a positive interaction you've had with community helpers like police officers, to make the topic more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about police officers and discuss any misconceptions they might have.
Highlight the role of police officers in ensuring safety, which is a central theme of the book.
After reading, role-play a scenario where your child can be a helper, reinforcing the book’s message about overcoming fear with the help of trusted individuals.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out non-verbal cues that show how characters' feelings change throughout the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the role of police in society
Explanation: The story introduces children to a police officer's job, helping them understand that police are community helpers who work to keep everyone safe.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize police officers as trusted figures in their community, whom they can approach for help or in emergencies.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear through knowledge
Explanation: Through their interaction with the police officer, the characters in the book learn more about what police officers do, which helps alleviate their initial fears.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by learning more about the things they fear, understanding that knowledge can reduce fear and build confidence in new experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of asking questions
Explanation: The characters in the book ask the police officer various questions about his job, showcasing the value of curiosity and direct communication.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to ask questions in their daily lives to gain better understanding and clarity about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Respect for authority figures
Explanation: The book portrays the police officer in a positive light, teaching children the importance of respecting and listening to authority figures who enforce laws and ensure safety.
Real-World Application: Children learn to show respect towards figures of authority, such as teachers, police officers, and elders, understanding their roles in maintaining societal order.