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Friendship is Like a Seesaw
Barron's "A Big Hug" series offers a gentle and direct approach to the emotional issues that children face. Written by a clinical child psychologist, these books encourage youngsters to share and discuss tough topics with family and friends.
"Friendship is Like A Seesaw" compares friendship to the classic playground ride--there are ups and downs, but in the end it's all about balance."Friendship is like a seesaw.
Sometimes you might feel up in the air
when your friend feels low.
Other times you might feel down,
when your friend is up.
When things are balanced, both friends are happy."
Endearing illustrations and gentle text explore friends at their best--sharing, laughing, and playing together--as well as friends who sometimes say hurtful things, leave others out, or get a bit bossy. The authors go on to discuss what we can do to rebalance and fix our friendships, like talking about our feelings, looking at our own friendship skills, or taking a break. A timeless lesson that older children and even adults can appreciate.
"Friendship is Like A Seesaw" compares friendship to the classic playground ride--there are ups and downs, but in the end it's all about balance."Friendship is like a seesaw.
Sometimes you might feel up in the air
when your friend feels low.
Other times you might feel down,
when your friend is up.
When things are balanced, both friends are happy."
Endearing illustrations and gentle text explore friends at their best--sharing, laughing, and playing together--as well as friends who sometimes say hurtful things, leave others out, or get a bit bossy. The authors go on to discuss what we can do to rebalance and fix our friendships, like talking about our feelings, looking at our own friendship skills, or taking a break. A timeless lesson that older children and even adults can appreciate.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 30, 2020
یک دوستی داشتم اسمش الی بود، خیلی باهم دوست بودیم
اما یکشب بخاطر یک سوتفاهم بدجور ناراحتش کردم و باهم قهر کردیم .
مدتی که گذشت سعی کردم از دلش دربیارم، اما پیامها و تلفن هامو جواب نمیداد.
یکروز رفتم یه گلدون خریدم که گیاهش برگهای ریز داشت که انگار رووش رنگ سفید قطره قطره پاچیده بودن، رفتم در خونهشون. ماشینش توی پارکینگ بود اما هرچی در زدم باز نکرد.
منم گلدون رو با یه یادداشت دادم به سرایدار ساختمونشون و برگشتم .
چند روز بعد پیام داد که گلدون قشنگی بود...
آشتی کردیم، ولی دیگه هیچوقت مثل قبل نشدیم.
الان اون یه دوست خیلی صمیمی دیگه داره که باهاش کلاس رنگ روغن میره، منم دوستای قبلی رو دارم که باهاشون وقت میگذرونم و البته هرروز دوستای جدید پیدا میکنم .
با خودم فکر میکنم کاش اون موقع به جای گلدون این کتابو براش برده بودم. شاید بهتر کار میکرد.
اما یکشب بخاطر یک سوتفاهم بدجور ناراحتش کردم و باهم قهر کردیم .
مدتی که گذشت سعی کردم از دلش دربیارم، اما پیامها و تلفن هامو جواب نمیداد.
یکروز رفتم یه گلدون خریدم که گیاهش برگهای ریز داشت که انگار رووش رنگ سفید قطره قطره پاچیده بودن، رفتم در خونهشون. ماشینش توی پارکینگ بود اما هرچی در زدم باز نکرد.
منم گلدون رو با یه یادداشت دادم به سرایدار ساختمونشون و برگشتم .
چند روز بعد پیام داد که گلدون قشنگی بود...
آشتی کردیم، ولی دیگه هیچوقت مثل قبل نشدیم.
الان اون یه دوست خیلی صمیمی دیگه داره که باهاش کلاس رنگ روغن میره، منم دوستای قبلی رو دارم که باهاشون وقت میگذرونم و البته هرروز دوستای جدید پیدا میکنم .
با خودم فکر میکنم کاش اون موقع به جای گلدون این کتابو براش برده بودم. شاید بهتر کار میکرد.
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October 23, 2022"یک روز دلمان برای دوستی مان تنگ می شود، اما رو به راه کردن الاکلنگ دوستی کمی طول میکشد."
خانم آینز کاش به بچه ها میگفتید که بعضی وقت ها هم دیگه رو به راه نمیشه چون صندلی روبه رویی مدت هاست خالی شده. اینجور موقع ها آدم وقتی به خودش میاد که دسته های الاکلنگ رو محکم گرفته ولی روی زمینه.
شاید توی چنین موقعیتی بهترین کار این باشه که شما هم از روی صندلی بلند بشید و تا جایی که میتونید بدویید.🏃
خانم آینز کاش به بچه ها میگفتید که بعضی وقت ها هم دیگه رو به راه نمیشه چون صندلی روبه رویی مدت هاست خالی شده. اینجور موقع ها آدم وقتی به خودش میاد که دسته های الاکلنگ رو محکم گرفته ولی روی زمینه.
شاید توی چنین موقعیتی بهترین کار این باشه که شما هم از روی صندلی بلند بشید و تا جایی که میتونید بدویید.🏃
March 24, 2025
همین چند وقت پیش بود که دوستم بهم پیامی داد و چیزی رو بهم گفت که واقعاً باورم نمیشد که راجع به من اینجوری فکر میکنه. نمیگم براش دوستِ خوبی بودم، اما هرگز پشت سرش هم کاری نکردم که به ضررش تموم شه.
خلاصه که گاهی اتفاق هایی میفته که مجبور میشی از الاکلنگ دوستی پیاده بشی🥴
Shona Innes’ Friendship is Like a Seesaw is a thoughtful and engaging picture book that helps young readers understand the ups and downs of friendship. Using the simple yet powerful metaphor of a seesaw, the book explains how friendships can feel balanced and joyful at times but also challenging when things become unsteady.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its gentle and relatable approach to emotions. Friendships, especially for young children, can be confusing—they can shift from fun to frustrating in an instant. Innes presents these natural fluctuations in a way that is easy for kids to grasp, encouraging them to navigate conflicts with kindness, empathy, and self-awareness.
The illustrations by Irisz Agócs are soft, expressive, and engaging, complementing the text beautifully. The seesaw imagery is used cleverly throughout, reinforcing the message visually as well as through words. The book also includes practical advice, making it not just a story but a useful tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers to help children reflect on their social interactions.
While the book is simple in its delivery, its message is profound and universally relevant. It’s particularly well-suited for young children learning about friendship dynamics, but even older kids can benefit from its wisdom. If there’s any minor critique, it’s that some children might need additional real-world examples or discussions to fully apply the concept to their own friendships.
Verdict: ★★★★★
A beautifully written and illustrated guide to understanding friendship, filled with warmth, wisdom, and practical life lessons. A must-read for young children learning about social relationships
خلاصه که گاهی اتفاق هایی میفته که مجبور میشی از الاکلنگ دوستی پیاده بشی🥴
Shona Innes’ Friendship is Like a Seesaw is a thoughtful and engaging picture book that helps young readers understand the ups and downs of friendship. Using the simple yet powerful metaphor of a seesaw, the book explains how friendships can feel balanced and joyful at times but also challenging when things become unsteady.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its gentle and relatable approach to emotions. Friendships, especially for young children, can be confusing—they can shift from fun to frustrating in an instant. Innes presents these natural fluctuations in a way that is easy for kids to grasp, encouraging them to navigate conflicts with kindness, empathy, and self-awareness.
The illustrations by Irisz Agócs are soft, expressive, and engaging, complementing the text beautifully. The seesaw imagery is used cleverly throughout, reinforcing the message visually as well as through words. The book also includes practical advice, making it not just a story but a useful tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers to help children reflect on their social interactions.
While the book is simple in its delivery, its message is profound and universally relevant. It’s particularly well-suited for young children learning about friendship dynamics, but even older kids can benefit from its wisdom. If there’s any minor critique, it’s that some children might need additional real-world examples or discussions to fully apply the concept to their own friendships.
Verdict: ★★★★★
A beautifully written and illustrated guide to understanding friendship, filled with warmth, wisdom, and practical life lessons. A must-read for young children learning about social relationships
March 15, 2020
کتاب خوبیه
نقاشیای خوشگلی داره
سعی میکنه همه جنبه ها رو ببینه
واقع گرا باشه
چیز میز یاد بده به فسقلیا
اگر یاد بگیرن البته
که نمیگیرن
من اما تمام چیزی که از دوستی یادم میاد
اینه که رها کن
قبل از اینکه رها بشی
تو که در هر حال آخرش قراره درد بکشی
حداقل اینجوری دردش کمتره
نقاشیای خوشگلی داره
سعی میکنه همه جنبه ها رو ببینه
واقع گرا باشه
چیز میز یاد بده به فسقلیا
اگر یاد بگیرن البته
که نمیگیرن
من اما تمام چیزی که از دوستی یادم میاد
اینه که رها کن
قبل از اینکه رها بشی
تو که در هر حال آخرش قراره درد بکشی
حداقل اینجوری دردش کمتره
August 6, 2025
دوستی درست شبیه لحظههایی است که خیالمان راحت است و به هیچچیز فکر نمیکنیم.
January 26, 2018
“Friendship is like a seesaw.
Sometimes you might feel up in the air
when your friend feels low.
Other times you might feel down,
when your friend is up.
When things are balanced, both friends are happy.”
Thoughts
During the holidays, a friend of mine gifted me four books from Innes' A Big Hug series. Friendship is Like a Seesaw caught my attention the most, so I chose to read it first. As a lover of children's literature, I'm rather picky. However, Innes' did not disappoint. Beautifully illustrated and well thought out, Friendship is Like a Seesaw is a beautiful addition to add to any child's reading repertoire.
Since the series are similar in format and design, I will only be writing a review for Friendship is Like a Seesaw.
Story | Plot
Innes' Friendship is Like a Seesaw discusses the elements of friendship in a way that children can both comprehend and learn from. In a lovely first person narration, the story highlights on how friendships are..."like a seesaw"; there are highs and lows and balances. Sometimes your friend is doing grand while your feeling low; sometimes your feeling wonderful and your friend is in a slump; and sometimes, you're both at the same place of joy and wonder.
For a children's book, the story is pretty blunt and detailed when it comes to friendship. Innes' book teaches important lessons that sometimes we sugar coat or hide from children: friendships are beautiful but sometimes don't last forever; people who we think are friends sometimes really aren't, and that's okay to let them go; some friends are not only important early in life, but they stick with you all your life. THIS is what we should be teaching our children, not telling them it'll always work and fixing their issues for them. These social skills are crucial to a child's development, a point that Innes drives home rather successfully.
Innes also leaves a small message at the back of her books for parents and teachers, discussing ways in which they should approach their children when they begin making friends and having quarrels. So it's not only a teaching tool for children, but it's also one for adults. Being a clinical and forensic psychologist, I feel this further validates the information she provides in the novel and her message for parents and teachers.
So...why three cups of year? Well...I found it kind of boring and a bit of a lackluster. Don't get me wrong, I think this novel (and the others in the Big Hug Book series) provide amazing insight and guidance on raising children, but I was bored quickly and could easily see children growing tiresome REAL quick.
Characters | Character Development
There aren't really any main characters in this novel. The story is told from a narrator not in the story, set as though it's supposed to be told from the parents or teachers own creation/design. The characters who are detailed in the novel visually are animals, such as elephants and mice. Thus, there's really not much more to say on this point until discussing the illustrations.
Artwork | Illustrations
Oh look at that, the illustrations and artwork section! That was quick. As I just mentioned, the characters illustrated on the pages are commonly known animals. Írisz Agócs' watercolour illustrations are remarkably stunning, drawing readers' attention quickly; these alone would entertain both children and adults alike as they read through the story. The animals are approachable and fun, making it easier for children to process and relate to. Their beauty also helps keep their attention focused, even when the story begins to falter a bit.
Honestly, I would use these are decor for a child's bedroom...if I had a child...which I don't...and don't plan to for a while...moving on now.
Source: Lime Tree Kids
Language
The language is well thought out, making it easy to read aloud and follow along to. Innes really focuses on vocalizing the life lessons strongly...and I personally believe that's where this hurt the story. The language was good, but it wasn't GREAT or GRAND or BEAUTIFUL or FANTASTIC. It was simple and straightforward. Yes, maybe this makes it easier to teach children life lessons, but it didn't make the story fun or silly or exciting. When I read children's literature, the language is the section I critique the most; authors need to be able to both teach and entertain, bringing the story to life through the words. However, Friendship is Like a Seesaw didn't cut it for me.
Final Thoughts
Innes' Friendship is Like a Seesaw is a beautifully illustrated children's book, which highlights the key points regarding the development of friendships for both children and adults. Though the language was a little bit of a disappointment, the story still has a beautiful message behind it and the illustrations are truly wonderful to peruse through. How do you feel about Friendship is Like a Seesaw?
Sometimes you might feel up in the air
when your friend feels low.
Other times you might feel down,
when your friend is up.
When things are balanced, both friends are happy.”
Minimal to No Spoiler
Thoughts
During the holidays, a friend of mine gifted me four books from Innes' A Big Hug series. Friendship is Like a Seesaw caught my attention the most, so I chose to read it first. As a lover of children's literature, I'm rather picky. However, Innes' did not disappoint. Beautifully illustrated and well thought out, Friendship is Like a Seesaw is a beautiful addition to add to any child's reading repertoire.
Since the series are similar in format and design, I will only be writing a review for Friendship is Like a Seesaw.
Story | Plot
Innes' Friendship is Like a Seesaw discusses the elements of friendship in a way that children can both comprehend and learn from. In a lovely first person narration, the story highlights on how friendships are..."like a seesaw"; there are highs and lows and balances. Sometimes your friend is doing grand while your feeling low; sometimes your feeling wonderful and your friend is in a slump; and sometimes, you're both at the same place of joy and wonder.
For a children's book, the story is pretty blunt and detailed when it comes to friendship. Innes' book teaches important lessons that sometimes we sugar coat or hide from children: friendships are beautiful but sometimes don't last forever; people who we think are friends sometimes really aren't, and that's okay to let them go; some friends are not only important early in life, but they stick with you all your life. THIS is what we should be teaching our children, not telling them it'll always work and fixing their issues for them. These social skills are crucial to a child's development, a point that Innes drives home rather successfully.
Innes also leaves a small message at the back of her books for parents and teachers, discussing ways in which they should approach their children when they begin making friends and having quarrels. So it's not only a teaching tool for children, but it's also one for adults. Being a clinical and forensic psychologist, I feel this further validates the information she provides in the novel and her message for parents and teachers.
So...why three cups of year? Well...I found it kind of boring and a bit of a lackluster. Don't get me wrong, I think this novel (and the others in the Big Hug Book series) provide amazing insight and guidance on raising children, but I was bored quickly and could easily see children growing tiresome REAL quick.
Characters | Character Development
There aren't really any main characters in this novel. The story is told from a narrator not in the story, set as though it's supposed to be told from the parents or teachers own creation/design. The characters who are detailed in the novel visually are animals, such as elephants and mice. Thus, there's really not much more to say on this point until discussing the illustrations.
Artwork | Illustrations
Oh look at that, the illustrations and artwork section! That was quick. As I just mentioned, the characters illustrated on the pages are commonly known animals. Írisz Agócs' watercolour illustrations are remarkably stunning, drawing readers' attention quickly; these alone would entertain both children and adults alike as they read through the story. The animals are approachable and fun, making it easier for children to process and relate to. Their beauty also helps keep their attention focused, even when the story begins to falter a bit.
Honestly, I would use these are decor for a child's bedroom...if I had a child...which I don't...and don't plan to for a while...moving on now.
Source: Lime Tree Kids
Language
The language is well thought out, making it easy to read aloud and follow along to. Innes really focuses on vocalizing the life lessons strongly...and I personally believe that's where this hurt the story. The language was good, but it wasn't GREAT or GRAND or BEAUTIFUL or FANTASTIC. It was simple and straightforward. Yes, maybe this makes it easier to teach children life lessons, but it didn't make the story fun or silly or exciting. When I read children's literature, the language is the section I critique the most; authors need to be able to both teach and entertain, bringing the story to life through the words. However, Friendship is Like a Seesaw didn't cut it for me.
Final Thoughts
Innes' Friendship is Like a Seesaw is a beautifully illustrated children's book, which highlights the key points regarding the development of friendships for both children and adults. Though the language was a little bit of a disappointment, the story still has a beautiful message behind it and the illustrations are truly wonderful to peruse through. How do you feel about Friendship is Like a Seesaw?
August 23, 2024
حتی برای منِ بزرگسال هم آموزنده بود
به نظرم این یکی رو لازمه هر بچهای بخونه و توی دوستیهاش بهتر بتونه پیش بره
به نظرم این یکی رو لازمه هر بچهای بخونه و توی دوستیهاش بهتر بتونه پیش بره
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March 17, 2020میخواستم خطابهای در باب دوستی بکنم، ولی چون اخیراها به مفهوم دوستی لگدهای زیادی زدم فعلا دست کشیدم. اول گفتم چیزی ننویسم اصلن. اما خلاصهای که این بالا نوشته بود اذیت کرد. دوستی مثل الاکلنگ نیست. با جملهبندی این موضوع مشکل دارم اساسا. که گاهی ما خوشحالیم و دوستمان غمگین، و برعکسش. با "واو" اون وسط، و اینکه باید به تعادل الاکلنگی برسیم. تعریف درستی از دوستی، و راهی برای حفظش، یا برگردونش نمیده. البته که کتاب، کتاب کودکه. شاید طرح همینکه دوستی بالا و پایین داره قدم بزرگیه.
February 4, 2023
به یاد یک دوست قدیمی که الاکلنگ دوستیمون خراب شد و هیچوقت نتونستیم درستش کنیم و من امسال و دقیقا ۳ ماه پیش تونستم بعد ۴ سال یک مقدار خیلی خیلی کم فراموش کنم.
December 20, 2024
گاهی حس میکنم کتاب خیلی از کتاب های کودک برای بزرگسال نوشته شده و بچه ها باهاش حال نمیکنن. امیدوارم اشتباه کنم.🚶🏻
September 4, 2025
از کتابهایی که تو خونه علم با بچهها خوندیم.
--
کتاب مفهوم قشنگی رو داره میگه. دوستی رو بدون بزک کردن و بدون زیادی کودکانه کردن نشون میده.
سعی میکنه یه بذرهایی بکاره شبیه اینکه دوستی همیشه برابر نیست. مود دوستها همیشه یکسان نیست. تلاش ادما برای دوستی همیشه یکسان نیست.
یه حالت ارمانی هم نشون میده(خیلی مختصر درموردش حرف میزنه) که همین برابر بودن آدمها در الاکلنگ دوستیه.حتی سعی میکنه برای وقتهایی که دوستی خیلی خوب پیش نمیره هم یه چندتا راهکار بده.
هرچند کلا کتاب اونقدر متن نداره و ازون کتاباس که میشه گفتگو محور پیش بردش.
تصاویرش ملیحه. حس رو خوب منتقل میکنه.
چیزی که برام آزارنده بود این بود که مترجم به متن اصلی پایبند نبوده. جملاتی رو بد ترجمه کرده. جملاتی رو به کلی عوض کرده. خودش تصمیم گرفته کتاب رو تالیف مجدد کنه و یکم کتاب حداقل برای یه بزرگسال اون شیرازهی خودش رو نداره دیگه.
--
چروکس و تو که امروز عکست رو هم دیدم.
--
کتاب مفهوم قشنگی رو داره میگه. دوستی رو بدون بزک کردن و بدون زیادی کودکانه کردن نشون میده.
سعی میکنه یه بذرهایی بکاره شبیه اینکه دوستی همیشه برابر نیست. مود دوستها همیشه یکسان نیست. تلاش ادما برای دوستی همیشه یکسان نیست.
یه حالت ارمانی هم نشون میده(خیلی مختصر درموردش حرف میزنه) که همین برابر بودن آدمها در الاکلنگ دوستیه.حتی سعی میکنه برای وقتهایی که دوستی خیلی خوب پیش نمیره هم یه چندتا راهکار بده.
هرچند کلا کتاب اونقدر متن نداره و ازون کتاباس که میشه گفتگو محور پیش بردش.
تصاویرش ملیحه. حس رو خوب منتقل میکنه.
چیزی که برام آزارنده بود این بود که مترجم به متن اصلی پایبند نبوده. جملاتی رو بد ترجمه کرده. جملاتی رو به کلی عوض کرده. خودش تصمیم گرفته کتاب رو تالیف مجدد کنه و یکم کتاب حداقل برای یه بزرگسال اون شیرازهی خودش رو نداره دیگه.
--
چروکس و تو که امروز عکست رو هم دیدم.
August 15, 2018
دوستي شبيه الاكلنگ است :)
كتابي راجع به كودكان و مفهوم تعادل در زندگي
هيچ چيز به اندازهي يك دوستي خوب، خاص نيست ^_^
كتابي راجع به كودكان و مفهوم تعادل در زندگي
هيچ چيز به اندازهي يك دوستي خوب، خاص نيست ^_^
December 11, 2023
فوقالعاده زیبا و دقیق درباره مفهوم دوستی صحبت کرده
August 11, 2025
"هیچ چیزی باعث نمیشه ما ذهنمونو براش درگیر کنیم"
October 12, 2014
Nice, direct discussion of friendships and fallings out w/friends. Good for young children who struggle with "so-and-so isn't my friend anymore" I hope to see more in this series. Life is Like the Wind is fantastic.
September 22, 2016
Being a parent is also like a seesaw. Things are always unbalanced.
December 10, 2023
کتابی تصویری دربارهٔ مفهوم دوستی و چگونگی حفظ آن. متن کتاب داستانی نیست و بیشتر تعلیمی است . نویسنده با استفاده از زبان تمثیل سعی کرده موانع دوستی را بیان کرده راههای تقویت دوستی را به مخاطب بیاموزد.
کل کتابهای این مجموعه را دیدم و فکر میکنم شاید مطالب این دست کتابها در مقایسه با کتابهای داستانی خیلی در ذهن کودک ماندگار نشود. هر چند به تجربه بچههایی را هم دیدهام که به این نوع کتابها خیلی علاقه نشان میدهند. تصویرگری این مجموعه را خیلی دوست دارم. به نظرم مناسب بالای شش سال.
کل کتابهای این مجموعه را دیدم و فکر میکنم شاید مطالب این دست کتابها در مقایسه با کتابهای داستانی خیلی در ذهن کودک ماندگار نشود. هر چند به تجربه بچههایی را هم دیدهام که به این نوع کتابها خیلی علاقه نشان میدهند. تصویرگری این مجموعه را خیلی دوست دارم. به نظرم مناسب بالای شش سال.
March 19, 2020
Cute illustrations will draw kids in, and the message is then fantastic. I liked that it concentrated on what you can do to "rebalance" your friendship. It gives lots of good strategies for dealing with friendship issues, including looking at yourself & whether you are the cause of the problem. A compulsory text!
July 8, 2019
Good for children and adults
January 14, 2020
I can only imagine this being used in a lower elementary classroom as a discussion starter. Decent resource, but probably not a book a child would enjoy independently.
January 1, 2021
What a great book
November 30, 2021
Friendship is like a seesaw is a give and take type relationship. You will have ups and downs and it is around finding the balance and keeping things equal.
March 24, 2022
I thought this was helpful for kids who struggle with friendships. It outlines that friendships can be great but sometimes they are not so great and we have to do things to help fix it or let it go.
February 25, 2026
a great story about friendships
April 26, 2023
This is a lovely explanation of friendship for young children. Friendship is hard and complicated and certainly not always smooth sailing. This helps children understand that we can have different opinions or feel differently to our friends at different times, but that doesn't mean we aren't still friends.
March 4, 2015
the illustrations really add to this simple story about how friendships work
April 4, 2015
A good storybook about friendship.
May 22, 2015
great book to teach kids about friendship
July 2, 2015
Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Straight forward text for younger children that might be confused about the complexities of friendship.
Straight forward text for younger children that might be confused about the complexities of friendship.
August 22, 2015
Great resource to spark class discussions around the theme of friendship. Addresses various scenarios and offers strategies how to deal with these. The cutest of illustrations!
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