SuitabookIt's Not Easy Being Number Three
Drew Dernavich
- Reading
- Read the illustrations closely as well as the words: invite the child to identify Number Three’s changing shape and predict each new use. Afterwards, compare which roles seem enjoyable, useful or temporary, without requiring one answer.
- Themes
- Exploring identity through roles: Number Three leaves its established function and tries being parts of animals, objects, a sculpture and other things. Experimentation is presented playfully, yet the ending gives renewed purpose to returning as Number Three.
- Belonging and shared purpose: The other numbers are affected when Number Three leaves and are relieved when it returns. The companions’ relief presents Number Three as significant to the group, but it is unclear whether belonging is framed as obligation, affection or both.
- Worth knowing
- The story treats Number Three’s experiments as humorous and worthwhile, but its conclusion also reconnects purpose with returning to the number’s familiar role. You may wish to discuss both exploration and the value of belonging.