Discussion questions for each book.

These questions follow each story's shape: what the character felt, what they did about it, and where that shows up in your child's own life. The last question in each set is the one that tends to open things up.

Lola's Pocket Hug

1. What does Lola keep in her pocket, and why did her mom give it to her?
2. When did Lola's day start to feel big? What did her body do when she felt that way?
3. What did Lola do with her pocket hug when the feeling came? Did it make the feeling go away, or help her keep going with it?
4. Ms. Honeybee helps the classroom feel safe. What does a grown-up do that makes you feel safe in a new place?
5. Jane forgets to use kind words. What could Jane do differently? Has anyone ever forgotten kind words with you?
6. Jimi is waiting on the swing for someone to say hello. Who could you say hello to tomorrow?
7. If you had a pocket hug, what would you want it to remind you of?

Nolan's Pocket Hug

1. Nolan's heart glows. What do you think the glow means?
2. What kind of moments feel big or uncertain for Nolan? Do any of those happen to you?
3. When worries start to rise, Nolan pauses and breathes. Can you show me how you would do that?
4. The story says love travels with Nolan wherever he goes. Who is your love from? Where does it travel with you?
5. Is being brave the same as not being scared? What does Nolan's story say?

Carving Her Own Trail

1. Ava loves the mountain, but learning to ski is harder than she expected. Have you ever loved something that turned out to be hard?
2. What happens inside Ava when the falls start to pile up?
3. Ava notices the snowboarders laughing and cheering each other on, even when they tumble. What do they know that Ava had not figured out yet?
4. Ava takes one brave breath and tries something new. Why is trying something new brave?
5. The book says bravery is not about being perfect. What is it about, then?
6. What is a trail you are carving right now?

Looking for something hands-on after the conversation? Every character has a coloring page, and the pocket hug sheet is a five-minute craft.