Definition:

A friend is someone you like spending time with because they make you feel happy and special, and help you when you need it. 

In short:

Build bonds that last forever.

Summary:
This uplifting story shares its message about bullying through illustrations and music. The only words are after the end of the story, when the authors/illustrators share their advice about how to help someone who’s being bullied. On her first day at a new school, Vanessa is ignored and bullied. One of her classmates notices how sad the new girl looks and she invites Vanessa to walk with her to school the next day. They are joined by other children and by the time they get to school, a whole crowd of students walk together with Vanessa. Because of one girl’s courage, Vanessa is no longer alone! 

Note to teachers: The authors of this book are a married couple from France, and they are comic and animation artists. Their pen name is Kerascoet. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students are guided to discuss the list (at the end of the book) of things to do when someone is bullied. Teachers reinforce these strategies with their students throughout the year. 
2. Teachers explain the difference between tattling and telling, emphasizing that it’s important to let an adult know if a child is being bullied. That’s not tattling and it’s the right thing to do. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. Were you surprised that the story had no words to go with it? Why do you think the authors/illustrators decided to not include words to their story?
2. When you look at the pictures of Vanessa at school how can you tell that she is lonely and being bullied? 
3. Does anyone try to reach out to her on that first day of school? 
4. After school was over, one brave girl  noticed that Vanessa was feeling bad. What did she do to help Vanessa? 
5. Why do you think the whole school wanted to walk with Vanessa? 
6. How do you think Vanessa felt when so many classmates supported her? 
7. If you notice someone who is lonely, what could you do to help them? 
8. If you see someone being bullied what could you do to help them? 
9. It’s important to be safe when you respond to someone being bullied. How could you make sure you don’t get hurt or into trouble? 
10. Do you know of someone who’s being bullied? Who can you talk to about it? Even if you don’t know someone who’s being bullied, who would you talk to about it?