Baby & Me, Vol. 15
#15 in 赤ちゃんと僕 [Akachan to Boku] Series
on Goodreads (81)
What’s inside...
Ten-year-old Takuya has a new job: to look after his baby brother Minoru after their mother passed away. Takuya has to juggle this responsibility while his father works long hours. Takuya also navigates friendships and helps his friend Hirose's dad, a manga artist, overcome a creative block. Meanwhile, his other friend Hitoshi reveals a secret passion for drawing which leads to a feud over creative differences. Additionally, Minoru becomes convinced a wolf is breaking into their house after being influenced by a picture book.
Character compass
Takuya Enoki
Minoru Enoki
Harumi Enoki
Discussion points
How did the relationship between Takuya and Minoru change throughout the story? What do you think helped them grow closer?
What were some challenges the characters faced and how did they deal with them?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters in the book? What happened and how did you feel?
Why do you think understanding and supporting family members is important?
If you could give any character in the book a piece of advice, who would it be and what would you tell them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their perspectives to foster open communication.
Use the questions to relate the book's themes to the child's own experiences, enhancing personal connection and empathy.
Highlight the importance of family and the different forms support can take, as demonstrated by the characters in the story.
Discuss the problem-solving and coping strategies used by characters, encouraging critical thinking about overcoming challenges.
Emphasize the value of emotional growth, both in the book and in real life, to inspire understanding and resilience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Baby & Me, Vol. 15', the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of another character who is going through a tough time.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better understand their peers' emotions and situations, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment at school and home.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The young protagonist takes on responsibilities at home, which teaches the importance of being dependable and proactive.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to help out in their own homes, taking initiative in tasks appropriate for their age, enhancing their sense of accountability.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the volume, characters face various challenges but manage to persevere with determination and courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay determined in face of personal challenges, whether in academics, sports, or relationships, helping them develop a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The story emphasizes the bond between family members and how they support each other through various circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces the value of family connections, encouraging children to appreciate and rely on their family support system.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Characters in the narrative often find themselves in new environments and situations, learning to adapt and thrive.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of adapting to new classrooms, teachers, or even new family dynamics, promoting flexibility in personal growth and development.