A Friend for Christmas
Early Reader Series
What’s inside...
The book follows the heartwarming story of a young girl named Emily who, despite facing the bleakness of the orphanage during Christmas, finds hope and friendship in unexpected ways. Additionally, the book shares a story about a dog named Buddy who comes home for Christmas, fulfilling a young boy named Luka's Christmas wish. The stories highlight the themes of hope, friendship, and the magic of Christmas.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character feel when they found a friend? Can you relate to their emotions?
Why do you think friendship is important, especially during Christmas?
What are some ways the characters in the book showed kindness to each other?
How would you help someone feel welcome if they were new to our neighborhood during the holidays?
If you could add another character to the story, who would they be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about friendship and relate personal experiences to those in the book.
Discuss the importance of giving and sharing during the holiday season, referencing specific examples from the book.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or new adventures for the characters, fostering creativity and deeper thinking about the story.
Use the story’s theme to initiate a holiday project, like making a new friend or doing a kind act for a neighbor, tying the book’s message into real-life actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story centers around a young character who feels lonely during the festive season and finds companionship with a new friend, illustrating how friendship can bring joy and comfort.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build connections with their peers, offering kindness and companionship, especially during festive occasions or when someone seems lonely.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters interact, they share their feelings and experiences, teaching the reader about the importance of understanding different perspectives and emotions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to listen to their friends' thoughts and feelings, fostering a more empathetic approach in their day-to-day interactions.
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: The protagonist shares their Christmas celebrations with a new friend who might not have anyone to celebrate with, highlighting the values of sharing and being generous.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their time, toys, or snacks with others, promoting generosity and inclusivity in their communities.
Example Lesson: Overcoming shyness
Explanation: The main character initially feels shy but gradually opens up to make a new friend. This part of the story exemplifies the process of overcoming initial discomfort to form meaningful connections.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it's okay to feel shy, but reaching out can lead to wonderful friendships and experiences.
Example Lesson: The spirit of Christmas
Explanation: The book captures the essence of the Christmas spirit—love, joy, and the importance of community. It emphasizes how special occasions can be made memorable through caring and sharing.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and take part in family and cultural traditions, understanding the deeper values these festivities hold beyond just the surface celebrations.