That's Mine!
Feelings & Firsts Series
What’s inside...
When one toddler in a childcare setting takes all the toy animals for herself, she discovers that monopolizing all the toys can be a bit lonely. Will offering one of the animals to another child help bridge the gap? In this gentle exploration of early friendship, toddlers will recognize the tension between wanting everything to be 'mine!' and the desire to connect with other children. This board book is perfect for little ones who are just learning how to interact with others. Soft backgrounds illuminate the story, whose diverse cast makes these lessons accessible to all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think sharing is important in the story?
How did the characters feel when they couldn't agree on who the toy belonged to?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation with your friends?
How did the characters solve their problem and what can we learn from it?
Can you think of a time when you shared something and felt happy about it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about sharing and taking turns, relating it to their own experiences.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story before turning the page, to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
After reading, role-play different scenarios from the book with your child, swapping roles to explore different perspectives.
Connect the story's theme to real-life situations your child encounters to reinforce the message of the book.
Praise your child when they discuss or demonstrate understanding of sharing and empathy, reinforcing these positive behaviors.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: The story revolves around a group of animals who learn the value of sharing a beloved toy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share their own toys and belongings with siblings and friends, fostering cooperation and generosity.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The animals encounter a conflict over who gets to play with the toy, but they learn to communicate and resolve their dispute amicably.
Real-World Application: This teaches children effective communication skills and conflict resolution strategies that they can use during disagreements with peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the animals express their feelings about the toy, they begin to understand each other’s perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with others' emotions and viewpoints, helping them build stronger, more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Taking turns
Explanation: The story encourages taking turns as a fair way to play together.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children practice patience and fairness in group activities at school or in play, understanding that everyone will have their turn.
Example Lesson: Joy in collective happiness
Explanation: By the end of the book, the animals realize that playing together with the toy is more enjoyable than playing alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn that sharing moments and experiences with others can enhance joy and create cherished memories.