Jasper & Joop (Reader) (Gossie & Friends)
#3 of 19 in Gossie and Friends Series
on Goodreads (476)
What’s inside...
Jasper and Joop are two friends who are as different as can be. Jasper likes to be neat, tidying his nest and dressing up each morning, while Joop prefers to be messy, ruffling his feathers and his nest. Despite their differences, they are best friends. However, trouble arises when one of them encounters troublesome bees. This early reader book, part of the Gossie & Friends series, features simple storytelling and expressive illustrations, along with bonus downloadable read-along audio.
Character compass
Jasper
Joop
Discussion points
What do you think makes Jasper and Joop different from each other?
How did Jasper and Joop solve their problems in the story?
What would you do if you were in Jasper’s or Joop’s place?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend who was different from you?
What is the most important thing Jasper and Joop learned about friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and different voices for Jasper and Joop to make the reading more engaging.
Ask your child how the characters might be feeling at different points in the story to help them connect emotionally.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of Jasper and Joop playing together to reinforce the theme of friendship.
Pause after key moments in the story to ask predictive questions, such as 'What do you think will happen next?'
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing their interactions with friends and how they manage differences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story of 'Jasper & Joop' showcases the budding friendship between two very different characters, Jasper and Joop. Jasper is outgoing and messy, while Joop is shy and neat, demonstrating that friendships can form despite differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace the differences in others, which can lead to forming friendships with peers who may not initially seem similar to them.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting personal differences
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jasper and Joop come to understand and accept each other's quirks and preferences. This storyline encourages acceptance and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children accept their own unique traits and those of others around them, promoting self-esteem and social harmony.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and sharing
Explanation: As Jasper and Joop interact, they learn to share and cooperate, whether it’s in their playtime or in solving problems they face together.
Real-World Application: Learning to cooperate and share can assist children in developing better social skills and teamwork abilities in school settings or group activities.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The book demonstrates how Jasper and Joop navigate through their differences and minor conflicts by communicating and showing empathy towards each other.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the necessary skills to manage and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner with their peers or in family settings.
Example Lesson: Celebrating individuality
Explanation: Despite their differences, Jasper and Joop each bring unique qualities to their friendship, showing that individuality should be celebrated rather than suppressed.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be proud of what makes them unique and be encouraged to express themselves in diverse environments.