Shoushoya is a story about a little child who has an imaginary friend in the shape of a friendly dragon. The child has a great time with the dragon who takes him from one imaginary trip to another. When it is bedtime the child reader discovers that the dragon is a small cuddly dragon stuffed toy.
- Pretend play is an important part in a child’s development. It is also a way for children to explore their surroundings and understand the world around them.
- Imaginary play helps some children sort out their daily fears, for example a timid child might imagine himself/herself a lion or a dragon.
- An imaginary friend is sometimes needed by a child and this friend can be totally invisible except in the child’ mind or it can be a special toy that the child talks to
- And pretends to be his/ her friend. It is a normal phenomenon unless it gets out of hand.
- The invisible friend is sometimes needed by children in special circumstances like divorce, death in the family, abuse, loneliness, or if the child is a victim of bullying. On the other hand many normal children with no special needs or circumstances need an invisible friend to whom they can communicate feelings and fears. Sometimes imaginary friends are a reflection of an over imaginative child.
- Parents and teachers can discuss mythical animals with the child and the difference between a dragon and a dinasour.
- The story can help start a conversation with the child on friends and friendship.
- Children with imaginary friends should always be encouraged to form real friendships
- And relationships with others.