Cinnamon Bun Besties: A Swirl Novel (3)
#3 of 6 in Swirl Series
on Goodreads (72)
What’s inside...
Suki is assigned to run the student council Valentine's Day fundraiser at school with JJ, her former best friend turned enemy. As they've been rivals for years, they quickly decide to hold competing fundraisers. Meanwhile, Suki, who longs for a dog, befriends a stray named Cinnamon Bun and begins volunteering at the local animal shelter. However, when the fundraiser escalates and the shelter faces closure, Suki must find a way to save the day and hopes to finally have a dog of her own.
Discussion points
What qualities make someone a good friend? How do the characters in the book demonstrate these qualities?
If you were part of the story, how would you help solve the challenges that the characters face?
What did you learn about handling disagreements or misunderstandings from the story?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our town?
Which character would you like to meet in real life and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on friendship and ask your child to compare those with relationships in the book.
Encourage your child to tell you about a time they faced something similar to a character’s challenge and discuss different ways it could be handled.
Listen actively and validate your child’s feelings and opinions as they relate their own experiences to the story.
Use specific examples from the book to anchor your discussion, making the content relatable and easier to grasp.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In 'Cinnamon Bun Besties', the characters navigate their relationships, emphasizing the value of true friendship and support among peers.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cultivate meaningful friendships, understand the importance of empathy, and support their friends in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The protagonists face challenges that require them to think critically and collaboratively find solutions, showcasing effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to apply critical thinking and teamwork to solve problems at school or during play.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book features a diverse cast of characters who learn from each other’s differences and build a stronger community because of them.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to appreciate diversity and see the strength in varied perspectives, aiding their social development and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: Characters in the story often encounter setbacks, but their ability to adapt and persevere teaches resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to face their own challenges with a positive attitude and understand that setbacks can lead to growth and learning.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Throughout the novel, honesty in difficult situations strengthens friendships and builds trust among characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in understanding the value of truthfulness and its impact on relationships and personal integrity.