Will You Be My Friend?
Author: Sam McBratney
Illustrator: Anita Jeram
Candlewick Press
Ages: 3 to 8 years old
And he hopped off to explore on his own.
Traditional picture books come alive in this charming read. If you are in need of a book that both children and grandparents will appreciate, look no more.
Little Nutbrown Hare is left to entertain himself while Big Nutbrown Hare is busy. He quickly learns that a careful adventure by himself can lead to a new friend.
And he hopped off to explore on his own.
McBratney uses his immense talent and ability to produce a story about what happens when children have to utilize their own problem solving skills and independence. Jeram’s illustrations set the tone, using serene drawings that capture the eye and attention of young readers and more experienced ones.
Primarily a lesson in friendship and patience, Will You Be My Friend? highlights the beauty and essential nature of simple play. Too often children are scheduled within an inch of their existence and play is abandoned in search of “more meaningful” activities. McBratney highlights how much simple play can accomplish in simple, unencumbered moments.
Teachers will find the book helpful not only for the classic friendship lesson, but also as a useful tool to teach comparing and contrasting. The book also reinforces some key age-appropriate vocabulary and introduces some new words for further development.
Will You Be My Friend? (Support an Independent Bookstore)
Will You Be My Friend? (Hardcover at Amazon)*
More books for this Age Group can be found here.
Please, leave comments! I love a HEALTHY exchange of ideas. After all, critical thinking is essential to life.
Tyler Stapleton–Contributor
Tyler has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, from The University of Virginia. He is currently a Second-Grade Teacher. “I have an enormous library in my classroom and am constantly searching for new additions for my collection so that my little leaders can explore the world through books.”
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