Definition:

A friend is someone you like spending time with because they make you feel happy and special, and help you when you need it. 

In short:

Build bonds that last forever.

Summary:
Hank the prickly cactus is a loner who discourages would-be friends from visiting him. He refuses offers for visits and hugs until one day he changes his mind and offers a hug to an owl.  When she flies away, Hank is surprised. Her lack of friendliness makes him sad, until Rosie, a tumbleweed, helps Hank during a windstorm. This becomes a turning point for the prickly cactus. Because of Rosie’s kindness, Hank is moved to do something nice for her. By the end of the story, Rosie and Hank are happily stuck together in friendship! 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students feel encouraged to reach out to others who may need a friend even though they appear to want to be alone. Teachers reinforce the idea that it’s always good to try - maybe the person just needs someone to care enough to try. 
2. Students talk about ways in which they can help each other at school, and are complimented when they are able to do so. 

Guiding Questions:

1.  What was the desert like where Hank lived? 
2. Why do you think Hank was so mean to his friendly neighbors? 
3. What happened that made Hank more sad and lonely than prickly? (prickly here means angry)
4. What did Rosie do for Hank? 
5. What did Hank do for Rosie? 
6. Why didn’t Hank and Rosie not care about being stuck together? 
7. Have you ever seen a cactus plant? Where was it? 
8. Do you know someone who is cranky like Hank in the beginning of the story? If so, have you ever tried to reach out to them? 
9. Do you think most people want to have friends rather than being all alone? Why or why not? 
10. Can you think of some ways you could help other kids at school or your family members at home?