A Friendship Conversation with Bad Apple

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Some books are fun to read. Others quietly open the door to conversations children may not know how to begin.

Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship by Edward Hemingway does both.

The story introduces us to Mac, an apple, and Will, a worm, who discover that they truly enjoy being together. But when the other apples see their friendship, they begin calling Mac names, including “bad apple.”

That simple story gives children so much to think about: friendship, belonging, teasing, loyalty, differences, and the courage it can take to be yourself.

Pause and Wonder Together

You don’t have to turn every book into a lesson. Sometimes the most meaningful conversations begin by reading slowly, noticing children’s reactions, and leaving enough quiet space for them to share.

After reading, try asking:

Why do you think Mac and Will became friends?
What did they enjoy doing together?
How did Mac feel when others called him names?
How did you feel when others called him names?
Why do you think the other apples treated Mac differently?
Can two friends like different things and still be friends?
What makes someone a good friend?
What could you say if you heard someone calling another person a hurtful name?
Was there a part of the story that surprised you?
What do you think Mac and Will might do together next?

Children don’t need to answer every question. Choose the ones that fit your group, follow their thinking, and let the conversation move naturally.

You may be surprised by what they notice.

A Gentle Reminder About Big Questions

Questions about friendship and name-calling can feel personal. Some children may tell a story immediately. Others may listen quietly or need time before saying anything.

There is no need to push for an answer.

You can model reflection by saying:

“I wonder how that made Mac feel.”
“That looked like a hard moment.”
“Friends don’t have to be exactly the same.”
“Everyone deserves to feel like they belong.”

Sometimes a child’s quiet expression, nod, or later comment tells us that the story reached them—even if they didn’t speak during the group discussion.

Extend the Story with a Free Coloring Page

I created an original apple-and-worm friendship coloring page to continue the conversation after reading.

Children can color the page while talking about friendship, retelling parts of the story, or imagining their own adventure for two unlikely friends.

Use it during:

A friendship or kindness theme
Circle-time follow-up
A literacy center
Quiet table work
A small-group conversation
A take-home family activity
Apple or Fall theme

While children color, try asking:

What do you think these friends are talking about?
Where might they go together?
What makes their friendship special?
What would you name them?
What colors show friendship to you?

The goal isn’t for every page to look the same. The coloring page is simply another invitation to think, create, talk, and make the experience their own.

Download the Free Printable

Download the Free Apple and Worm Friendship Coloring Page

Print one for each child, place a few copies in your writing or art area, or send it home so families can continue the conversation together.

The Learning Growing Beneath the Activity

Coloring supports hand strength, pencil control, visual attention, and coordination, but the learning here reaches beyond fine motor development.

Through the story, conversation, and creative extension, children are also practicing:

Recognizing and naming emotions
Thinking about another person’s perspective
Building friendship vocabulary
Exploring kindness and belonging
Connecting a story to their own experiences
Listening to and responding to others
Expressing ideas through art and language

The coloring page may be simple, but the conversations growing around it can be anything but small.

Because sometimes a story about an apple and a worm helps children explore what friendship really means, and reminds the grown-ups listening that the little things truly are the big things.

Stay rooted. Guide wonder.