Another Word For Neighbor

Read Aloud FRIDAY: Fuelling Curiosity, Inspiring Discovery

I do not often find a picture book that makes me tear up while also reminding me of the simplest acts of kindness. Another Word for Neighbour did exactly that.

Han, who loves the quiet comfort of his days, has his world turned upside down when two children move in next door. What begins as curiosity grows into connection. Food is shared, memories are spoken, and the tender ache of grief is softened by community.

In my Grade 3 classroom this story opened unexpected doors. We connected it to procedure writing through the making of pho soup. The conversations spilled over into love, loss, and what it means to welcome others in.

This book is more than a story. It is an invitation to see kindness as action, friendship as a bridge, and neighbours as the family we never knew we needed