Friendship stories

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse are old friends with very different tastes. After two frights in a rich pantry, the country mouse goes home to his barley and roots. Ask your child which home they would pick, and whether friends must like the same things.

In Snow-White and Rose-Red the sisters and their mother let a half-frozen bear sleep by the fire all winter. The girls also rescue a rude dwarf three times and get nothing but insults for it, which raises a good question about whom we help, and why.

The Selfish Giant builds a wall to keep the children out, and his garden stays frozen until they creep back in. One small boy who cannot reach the branches changes him for good, and the Giant loves him best of all. The ending is religious and quietly sad.

Robin Hood meets Little John by fighting him with staffs on a narrow bridge and losing, then invites him to join the band. Older children might enjoy talking it over: can you become friends with someone who has just beaten you?