Louis
Louis is a stuffed bear who feels he is ignored and unappreciated. From being used as a hankie to being thrown in the wash and hung out to dry, his list of complaints is long. Louis plots his escape every step of the way, but in this heartwarming story, comes to realize that he would miss his adventurous life with the boy who loves him.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Before reading the story, ask children if they have a special stuffed animal or toy that they love to play with and even sleep with at night. Have they ever thought about what their toy is thinking? Tell them that in this story of Louis, we get to find out what Louis is thinking and feeling. Read the story. After reading the story, ask the children to draw their favorite toy engaged in an activity that they think the toy especially enjoys. Write a sentence or two from each child’s description of what is happening in the picture that they can share with their families and friends.
Talk with families about the importance of stuffed animals, blankets, and special toys for young children. Stuffed animals help children to develop nurturing behaviors and develop empathy leading to a healthy emotional intelligence. Special toys are friends that are always available and contribute to imaginative play. They provide needed comfort when a child is sad or confused. The book Louis provides a humorous look at the role that special toys play in a child’s development.