This book shows that there is more than one side to a story and would be useful to discuss in a classroom. It’s one of the nominees for this year’s Blue Spruce Award from the Ontario Library Association.
Sonny and Arthur have been thrown together since nursery school, but the two boys couldn't be more different. Sonny is careful and studious while Arthur is a whirlwind of mess and noise.
But when Arthur is not on the school bus one day, Sonny realizes it's pretty boring without his usual seatmate. Could it be true that the two boys are good for each other, even though they are so different?
With all the humour and silliness that appeals to readers of this age, the story is cleverly told in alternating perspectives — first from Sonny's point of view, and then from Arthur's — that will get kids thinking about putting themselves in someone else's shoes.
We’re All Friends Here, written by Nancy Wilcox Richards and illustrated by Tom Goldsmith was published by Scholastic Canada in 2014.
First line: “Arthur Leevy bugged me in nursery school.”
My thoughts as a writer:
Such an interesting story structure! It’s told by two different main characters in first person. First it starts with Sonny’s side of things, then we get Arthur’s perspective. The ending is told on two spreads, one from each character. I’ve never seen a picture book told in this way before. I’d be interested in reading it with students to see if they understand what is happening or need help from an adult.
I liked the way the illustrator included a lined paper drawing that looked like it was drawn by the character to start their section of the story. The realistic illustrations help to clarify which student is telling each part of the story.
My Thoughts as a Teacher:
This story would be useful for teaching about different perspectives and how, while everyone has their own point of view, one isn’t better or worse than the other. It would be good for starting discussions about listening to and thinking about other points of view.
Ages: 4 – 8
Grades: K - 3
Themes:, friends, different points of view, tolerance for others, empathy
Do Arthur and Sonny like each other? Explain.
Try comparing perspectives on the same event (e.g., going to an assembly, what happened a recess) with a partner, either by writing a paragraph or acting it out.
Another character, Debbie, is mentioned in the story. Write or draw a comic showing what things are like from her point of view.
Scholastic provides classroom activities