Best Friends for Frances

Last updated Monday, February 2, 2004

Author: Russell Hoban
Illustrator: Lillian Hoban
Date of Publication: 1969
ISBN: 0060223278
Grade Level: 1st
Date(s) Used: February 2004

Synopsis: Frances doesn't think her little sister can be her friend, but after being left out of her best friend Albert's no-girls baseball game, Frances finds that sisters can indeed be friends--even best friends.

Discussion topics:

• Are the boys friends with any girls? Are the girls friends with any boys? Why or why not?
• What are fun things that boys do? Can girls do them? What about the reverse?
• What do you say if one of your friends says that you shouldn’t play with another person?
• Are you friends with your sisters/ brothers? What do you know about them?

Craft ideas:

• Make picket signs announcing an outing, include everyone!
• Design and draw your own picnic blanket.
• Make a song book and decorate cover; include your favorite song from the book, and ones you make up yourself.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!