About This Book
This heartfelt chapter book beautifully explores the complex emotions a child experiences when a parent introduces a new partner into the family. Told from the child's perspective, it gently navigates initial reluctance and feelings of displacement, contrasting "before" with the present. As "That Guy" shows care and humor, the child gradually learns to see them as a positive addition, illustrating how blended families can expand with love and new perspectives. Ideal for children aged 4-11, it offers comfort and opens conversations about adapting to change.
Mommy's New Friend is a heartfelt, lyrical story about accepting a new family member, even if it’s not easy at first. When That Guy comes over and makes homemade pizza for dinner, it’s not the same as before, when Daddy and Mommy and I would all eat together. But That Guy takes care of Mommy when she’s sick, and That Guy laughs at my jokes. Maybe, That Guy isn’t that bad, after all. Shelley Tougas and award-winning illustrator Sara Palacios' Mommy's New Friend is a gentle and uplifting tale about growing up, learning new perspectives, and accepting how blended families can evolve and expand.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How did the child feel when "That Guy" first came over? Have you ever felt that way about a new person or a big change?
2
What are some things "That Guy" did that helped the child feel more comfortable?
3
What does it mean for a family to "evolve and expand"?
4
How can we be kind and open to new people, even when it feels a little strange at first?
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