Meesha Makes Friends is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"Meesha Makes Friends" by Tom Percival is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Meesha who struggles with making friends due to her shyness and fear of being judged. Meesha loves to imagine and draw colorful creatures, and one day her artwork magically comes to life, offering her companionship. However, Meesha soon realizes that her new friends are starting to fade away, prompting her to face her fears and reach out to real people. With courage and determination, Meesha gradually opens up to her classmates and discovers that true friendship is based on understanding, acceptance, and shared experiences. Through vibrant illustrations and a touching narrative, the book encourages children to embrace their uniqueness, overcome their fears, and build meaningful connections with others. It teaches valuable lessons about the power of friendship, empathy, and the importance of stepping outside of one's comfort zone to create lasting bonds.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Discuss the books plot and examine the problem and solution.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Identifying the theme, message, or moral is an important skill that takes a lot of practice. Use this story as an opportunity to help your students with this reading strategy.
- Introduce or review how and why author’s use ellipses.
- Examine why writers might use italics.
- Discuss friendship and the qualities that make a good friend.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival
- Ravi's Roar by Tom Percival
- Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
- Tilda Tries Again by Tom Percival
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
