The Knight and the Dragon, stories and pictures by Tomie dePaola. Despite never having met each other, the knight and the dragon assumed they must be enemies and therefore must battle. Reading books about how to make armor and how to breath fire, they prepared to fight. When the fateful day arrived they caused more injury to themselves than to each other. When a princess rode by on her book cart, she quickly set them straight by giving them a book about a business they could run together.
Adults can also point out the prevalent use of books by all of the characters.
The Meanest Thing to Say, story by Bill Cosby, illustrated by Varnette P. Honeywood. The next day, Little Bill's short response makes everyone laugh and frustrates the new kid so much he quits saying mean things. Cosby's humorous tale offers an excellent and realistic response for any child who is being antagonized. A Bargain For Frances , story by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Lillian Hoban. Despite her mother's warning, Frances gets tricked by her friend, Thelma, into buying an old tea set, while Thelma gets to buy the new tea set Frances wants.