The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend



Last updated Monday, January 10, 2022

Author: Dan Santat
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 0316199982
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2022

Synopsis: This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and - at long last - is given his special name: Beekle.

Note to readers:
•  The story is told from the perspective of an imaginary friend waiting to be chosen by a child on earth. It introduces a new concept of a far away island where imaginary friends wait to be chosen. THEME: Courage
•  It starts out with Beekle being brave, then sad, in his search to be chosen.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you have or want an imaginary friend?
•  Are all friendships, imaginary and real, important for all of us?

Vocabulary:

•  COURAGE: Facing hard things with bravery and hope
•  EAGERLY: Excited and interested to do something
•  IMAGINARY: Not real, made up

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  This was Alice’s first friend. Was it good practice to have a real friend?
•  Does anyone want to tell us a time when they had COURAGE?
•  What did Beekle notice about “the real world” —tired people?

Craft ideas:
•  Let’s draw a picture of an imaginary friend! Or, a picture of yourself having COURAGE!
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2022-mysteries-new-adventures/

*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!