This book works as a story for beginning readers and definitely casts the child in an active, thinking role. I don't have to tell such an experienced, enthusiastic audience all the discussion points and practical work that could arise naturally from shared reading of this short, well-written story. The difference between participating in group decision-making and making a personal decision is of great significance in this context. Books 2 and 3. Children readily empathise with Hannah in her disappointment when Grandpa occupies the personal space she has wanted for so long, and with Vinnie in her grief, guilt and loneliness.
Mature readers have no difficulty in understanding and forgiving the protagonists' bad behaviour.
Because of their stage of moral development, young readers are puzzled when their 'good' characters are doing 'bad' things and self-realisation rather than punishment from external sources is the outcome. Shared and discussed, these beautifully written stories which ring psychologically true confirm the power of literature to educate the imagination of developing children in the affective domain. Goose is his 'old' friend, Jessica is his 'new' friend. He believes that Jessica is the best potential captain and wants to nominate her, but is agonisingly aware of how Goose feels. This poem expresses a dilemma we all experience from childhood onwards and the uncomfortable, often unresolved feelings that go with it.