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Friendship

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  • The Invisible Boy

    The Invisible Boy

    Written by Trudy Ludwig
    Illustrated by Patrice Barton
    Published by Rhus Children’s Books
    Theme/topic: Friendship and Inclusion
    Suggested learning area: AC9HPFP02 (Health and Physical Education – Foundation)

    The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is a touching story that highlights the importance of kindness, inclusion, and empathy. Brian, a quiet and overlooked boy, often feels invisible among his classmates—until a new student, Justin, arrives and helps him find his voice. Through expressive illustrations and a heartfelt narrative, the story encourages children to recognise the impact of their actions and words in making others feel valued.

    This book provides an opportunity for children to practise personal and social skills to interact respectfully with others (AC9HPFP02 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education). By identifying characters who have been excluded, exploring the reasons behind their exclusion, and discussing how others could have been more inclusive, The Invisible Boy fosters discussions on empathy and belonging. A powerful resource for developing emotional intelligence, this story encourages young readers to build inclusive and compassionate relationships.

  • Can I Play Too?

    Can I Play Too?

    Written & illustrated by Mo Willems
    Published by Hyperion Books for Children
    Theme/topic: Friendship, Inclusion, and Persistence
    Suggested learning area: AC9HPFP02 (Health and Physical Education – Foundation)

    Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems is a heartwarming and humorous story about friendship, inclusion, and problem-solving. When a new friend, Snake, wants to join Elephant and Piggie’s game of catch, the duo faces a challenge—how can someone without arms play? Through their creativity and determination, the friends work together to find a way for everyone to be included.

    This engaging story provides an opportunity for children to practise personal and social skills to interact respectfully with others (AC9HPFP02 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education). Teachers and students can explore how characters experience exclusion, discuss why it happens, and consider ways to make activities more inclusive. With its simple yet expressive illustrations and playful dialogue, Can I Play Too? fosters inclusion, empathy, problem-solving, and cooperation, making it a valuable resource for early childhood social-emotional learning.

  • Strictly No Elephants

    Strictly No Elephants

    Written by Lisa Mantchev
    Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo
    Published by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
    Theme/topic: Friendship, Inclusion, and Persistence
    Suggested learning area: AC9HPFP02 (Health and Physical Education – Foundation)

    This heartwarming book talks about friendship, inclusion, and embracing differences. The book follows a young boy and his tiny pet elephant as they excitedly approach a pet club meeting, only to be turned away by a sign that reads “Strictly No Elephants.” Undeterred, the boy and his elephant set out to create their own inclusive club, welcoming all kinds of pets and friends.

    This uplifting story encourages children to practise personal and social skills to interact respectfully with others (AC9HPFP02 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education). Through the experiences of the main character and his elephant, young readers can identify characters who have been excluded, explore the reasons behind their exclusion, and discuss how others could have acted more inclusively. The book’s gentle message, paired with its expressive illustrations, reinforces the value of belonging and the power of creating welcoming spaces for everyone. Strictly No Elephants is an inspiring read that fosters empathy, emotional intelligence, and social awareness in young readers.

  • Let’s Build A Boat

    Let’s Build A Boat

    Written by Jane Godwin
    Illustrated by Meg Rennie
    Published by Little Hare Books
    Theme/topic: Colaborating, Evaluating (design), Friendship, Narrative, Persistence, Producing, Rhyme, and Teamwork
    Suggested learning area: AC9HP2P01 (Health and Physical Education – Year 1,Year 2) AC9HP2P03 (Health and Physical Education – Year 1,Year 2) AC9TDE2P01 (Design and Technologies – Year 1,Year 2) AC9TDE2P02 (Design and Technologies – Year 1,Year 2) AC9TDE2P03 (Design and Technologies – Year 1,Year 2) AC9TDE2P04 (Design and Technologies – Year 1,Year 2)

    This inspiring picture book celebrates teamwork, creativity, and determination. As a group of children come together to build a boat for their picnic on an island, the story naturally lends itself to discussions about the purpose of a boat in general and context of the text (AC9TDE2K01 – Years 1 and 2, Design and Technologies). The story also highlights the importance of preparation before they begin (AC9TDE2P01 – Years 1 and 2, Design and Technologies), innovation and problem-solving when they face the challenge at sea (AC9TDE2P03 – Years 1 and 2, Design and Technologies).

    Throughout their journey, they experience challenges and moments of joy, allowing students to reflect on how they manage emotions in different situations (AC9HP2P03 – Years 1 and 2, Health and Physical Education). The story also supports children in understanding how teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving help them to achieve shared goals (AC9HP2P01 – Years 1 and 2, Health and Physical Education).

    Let’s Build a Boat is a perfect launchpad for hands-on STEM or creative projects, as well as social-emotional learning discussions around collaboration, effort, and celebrating differences.