A Friend for Eddy
A lonely goldfish named Eddy is longing for a friend. When he spots a yellow "fish" outside his bowl, he is overjoyed! But after taking a daring leap, Eddy learns that sometimes, with friendship, there is more than meets the eye! Imagine Eddy’s surprise when he discovers that his new “friends” are actually the eyes of a curious CAT. Instead of danger, Eddy finds kindness as the cat gently returns him to his bowl. This delightful story shows that friendship can be found in the most unexpected places, and on the most unexpected faces!
Support children’s comprehension by talking with them before and during the story. Ask what they know about cats and goldfish, and how those animals usually behave with each other—this will set the stage for a fun and surprising read!
After reading, try these activities:
- Friendship Focus: Eddy wanted a friend who could swim and blow bubbles. Ask children what they look for in a friend. Record their answers on a chart to display in the room as a reminder of what friendship means.
- Science Exploration: Point out that Eddy saw the cat’s eyes as big as a goldfish. Do children think cat eyes are really that large? At a science center with a round glass bowl or goblet filled with water, let children view objects through the water and compare how they look. Explain that this bending of light is called “refraction.”
This book is great for young children with shorter attention spans. When read aloud with expression and pauses, it builds excitement—and children will relate to Eddy’s fear as the suspense grows.
If children worry the cat might eat Eddy, reassure them with a hopeful tone: “Let’s hope the cat doesn’t eat Eddy!” Read on slowly, building anticipation—until that surprising and sweet ending shows just how kind the cat truly is. A lovely story of hope and friendship.
