Children's Story Book About Friendship: Stories That Teach Kids Kindness and Care

Childhood contains so many lessons to be learned, one of the most important is friendship. They learn to share, listen and be kind and supportive of a friend who might be worried or feeling lonely. Friendship values can be sensitively and effectively taught to children by means of a well written children's story book about friendship in which they can learn that caring for others can make a difference.

One of my favorites is Kiskadee's Big Adventure: A Heartwarming Journey written by Debbie Thomas-Corke. It is the tale of a small dog who finds her way out of a dog-shelter in Trinidad, and journeys to England where she starts a new life, surrounded by people and animals who make her feel safe, welcomed, and loved.

 A Story About New Beginnings

Kiskadee starts as a shy puppy in a dog shelter. She dreams of finding a family, leaving the shelter is an emotional experience for her. As she is removed from her kennel, the other dogs bark goodbye, highlighting the capacity for friendship and emotional bond in spite of the hardships.

Eventually, Kiskadee is taken in and finds happiness and security in a new home. But she is also a person of change. She travels from Trinidad to England where the weather, surroundings and sounds are unknown.

Kiskadee's experience provides a way for children to learn what it's like to be in a new place. It also demonstrates that kindness and friendliness can help make new experiences more manageable.

 Children are learning to accept and embrace differences

At her new home Kiskadee meets two dogs, Kaiser and Kaycee. Kaiser is a Yorkie who is grumpy and Kaycee is a lively, playful and friendly Yorkie.

Kaycee is able to help Kiskadee get settled in quickly. She shows her where to play, teaches her how to chase squeaky toys and introduces her to the garden. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, which can start with an 'okay' and develop into a shared experience.

This is a lesson to young readers to remember. Children can make friends with other children who look different, or with neighbours. A friendly greeting and a little patience may help others feel included.

 To show kindness means to be helpful

Kiskadee's Big Adventure culminates in one of the most significant experiences that occur when Kiskadee walks for the first time. She has no previous experience in wearing a lead and is uncomfortable. She is also nervous of the autumn leaves' noise.

Kaycee knows about her fear and keeps her close. She takes the time to console and encourage Kiskadee with the words “Let's do this together.” As Kaycee helps her, Kiskadee slowly starts to feel more confident and is able to enjoy her walks.

This moment allows children to learn that being kind doesn't always mean doing something big. Sometimes it's simply being by the side of a friend and providing support and giving him/her time to get comfortable.

 Celebrating Individual Differences

Kiskadee then encounters more dogs in the park such as Bella, Max and Rufus. They realize that her bark is different, and Kiskadee is embarrassed at first. She doesn't want to come across as abnormal.

Kaycee tells her that her bark is beautiful as it makes her unique. With her sister-like friend she starts to feel proud of her voice, her identity.

It's a worthwhile instruction to give children. True Friend does not make a person feel bad for being different. Rather, friendship is an opportunity for them to see their own gifts and feel accepted as they are.

 Learning that Care creates Belonging

At the end of the story Kiskadee has learned that she has discovered more than just a new home. She has discovered a family who will provide her with love, with companions to care for and with a world of new adventures to find. Her friendship with Kaycee makes her feel at home and even Kaiser's old grumpiness finds its place in her new family life.