Discuss its phases. Study the pictures. Something is happening in the illustrations that isn't happening in the text. Tell the story that the words don't tell. Discuss the difference between a true story and a made-up story.
Every story has a beginning, middle, and end.
Dissect this story and decide where each part falls. Talk about what makes a good friend and how two people become friends. Find pen pals. Ask another class or school. Correspondence can be sent in bulk.