Friendship Stories You Can Share
#1 in Cupcakes Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (4,210)
What’s inside...
Collects five short stories for children about the importance and rewards of friendship. Twelve-year-old Isabel is eager to leave her small town of Willow, Oregon, and explore the world like her best friend, Sophie. Isabel's summer plans change when her mother opens a cupcake shop, keeping her in Willow. Isabel discovers a baking contest with a prize of a trip to New York City for the finals. As Isabel and Sophie both enter the contest, Isabel faces challenges with her mother's concerns and the possibility of hurting her loved ones while pursuing her dreams.
Character compass
Sophie
Isabel
Discussion points
What do you think makes a good friend?
How did the characters in the story show kindness to each other?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like in the story?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the characters?
How do you think the story would change if it happened today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the stories to their own experiences by sharing personal friendship stories from your own childhood.
Highlight the emotions of the characters as you read, and ask your child how they think each character felt in different situations.
After reading a story, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene and explain why they chose it.
Use the stories as an opportunity to discuss the importance of empathy, trust, and cooperation in friendships.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights during your discussions to encourage continued engagement and conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The characters in 'Friendship Stories You Can Share' demonstrate empathy by listening to their friends' feelings and showing compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their daily interactions by being considerate of others' emotions and learning to support their friends and family during tough times.
Example Lesson: The value of cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together to solve problems, highlighting how teamwork leads to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to collaborate with peers in school projects or in playing team sports, understanding that collective effort often yields better results.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The stories showcase various strategies that characters use to resolve misunderstandings and disputes among friends in a peaceful manner.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to use communication and compromise when they face disagreements with siblings or friends, promoting peaceful resolutions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diversity
Explanation: Characters from various backgrounds come together, teaching the importance of accepting and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace diversity in their own communities, understanding that everyone's unique traits contribute to a richer collective experience.
Example Lesson: Importance of trust
Explanation: Trust is a recurring theme in the book, showing how trusting relationships are fundamental to strong friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being reliable and trustworthy among their peers, fostering lasting friendships.