Future Friend
#1 of 8 in David Baddiel Series
on Goodreads (473)
What’s inside...
From million-copy best-selling author David Baddiel comes a laugh-out-loud and inspiring new adventure for all listeners of eight and up, that is ahead of its time – 1,001 years ahead, to be precise. The year is 3020. Pip@256X#YY.3_7 is lonely and bored: she goes to virtual school on her G-Glasses, she has only a talking cat and parrot to hang out with and she can’t even leave her LivingSpace due to the extreme heat and floods outside. Until the day that Pip explores a glowing ring in a lab and finds herself in a warehouse, in 2019. Where she meets boy-inventor Rahul – who is also lonely and bored. Together, Rahul and Pip are no longer lonely. But they have a whole load of new problems, including hiding talking animals from Rahul’s parents and finding a way back to the future. Plus – just maybe – saving the world. Future Friend is a terrifically entertaining time-slip adventure that combines action, laugh-out-loud humour and the importance of friendship, in a story that asks the question – what would happen if your best friend came from the future?
Character compass
Rahul
Pip
Discussion points
How do you think Pip's life in the future is different from ours today? What would you find most exciting or challenging if you were in her shoes?
What lessons do you think Rory learned about friendship and understanding people who are different from him?
How did the technology in the book change the characters’ lives? Can you imagine a new invention that could change our lives for the better?
If you had a chance to meet someone from the future, what would be the first question you would ask them and why?
Both Pip and Rory face challenges in the story. Which challenge did you find most interesting and how would you have handled it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start with an open-ended question about the future, allowing the child to express their own thoughts before diving into specifics from the book.
Acknowledge any insightful or creative responses from your child, reinforcing their confidence and interest in the discussion.
Relate discussions back to the child’s personal experiences or current events, making connections that can deepen their understanding of the book’s themes.
Guide the conversation to reflect on both the fun and complex aspects of technology and friendships, mirroring the dual themes in the book.
Encourage your child to think creatively, asking them what kind of future they would like to see or what inventions they think could be beneficial.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'Future Friend', the story revolves around a friendship between a girl from the future and a boy from the present, showcasing how they overcome initial misunderstandings and differences to form a strong bond.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace the uniqueness of each person they meet, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their everyday interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of Cooperation
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to solve challenges, emphasizing the value of teamwork and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to engage more cooperatively in group activities at school or during play, enhancing their social and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The plot involves the characters using innovative and imaginative methods to navigate their dilemmas, demonstrating the effectiveness of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to think outside the box and apply creativity to overcome obstacles in their studies, projects, or even in resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: As the girl from the future adjusts to the present-day world, the theme of adaptability is explored, highlighting how flexibility can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand the importance of adapting to new environments or changes in life, such as moving to a new school or dealing with shifting family dynamics.