Begin with the picture
As a dad, I want storytime to feel like time together. So here’s the invitation I’d like to offer: imagine opening Finley’s story, asking about his feelings, and finding that your child is much more interested in a bubble. I’d follow that bubble. The question can wait.
Finley notices tiny details too. Follow the bubble for a moment. Where might it be going? What would Finley call it? You are still exploring his world together.
Offer one thought
My suggestion is to offer a thought before another question: “I noticed Finley’s little quiet corner.” Then leave some space. Your child might add a thought, turn the page or ask to see something again.
If you want a question, choose one: “What do you notice?” There is no need to work through a list of feelings or look for a particular answer.
Stay with the character
Finley’s introduction names something he sometimes feels. You can talk about him without asking your child to share a personal experience. “I wonder what he would like us to know” leaves the conversation inside the story.
If your child makes a connection to their own day, listen to what they choose to tell you. If they do not, you can keep reading. Enjoying the pictures is a complete way to spend this time.
A small idea for today
Here’s my small invitation for today: read Finley’s little story once. On a second look, let your child choose the picture you linger over. Make up a voice, follow a bubble or invent a name for a pebble.
Finish wherever your shared interest takes you. You can return to the same friend another day.
A Lovetopus story-and-play invitation. These examples are invitations for shared reading, not instructions for assessing a child’s feelings.
