Lifetime previewAlex and the Picnic with One Empty Seat
Alex arrives at a picnic where one seat is empty, learns the empty chair belongs to a child who feels shy, and invents a game to gently welcome them into the group.
- Recommended age
- Ages 4–8
- Reading time
- 7 minutes
- Illustrated pages
- 6 pages
- Category
- Friendship
Story guide
About this story
A curious discovery sets Alex and the Picnic with One Empty Seat in motion and gives Alex a meaningful reason to help. Alex arrives at a picnic where one seat is empty, learns the empty chair belongs to a child who feels shy, and invents a game to gently welcome them into the group. Across 6 illustrated pages, children ages 4–8 can follow the action while exploring friendship, listening, welcoming others. The story focuses on listening, inclusion, and the small actions that help a new friendship feel safe. Parents and children can use the ending to reflect on the choices, feelings, and discoveries that shaped the adventure.
A little preview
The meadow smelled of sliced grass and lemonade when Alex skipped toward the picnic blankets. Colorful plates were stacked, sandwiches stood like tiny houses, and a circle of friends hummed with chatter. But one place had a folded napkin and a little empty plate: one empty seat waited at the table. Alex tugged a ribbon on the napkin and wondered who the seat belonged to. The problem felt like a quiet pebble: someone was missing, and the picnic didn’t feel complete until everyone had a place.
What children can learn
- Friendship
- Listening
- Welcoming others
Perfect for
- Calm story time
- Parent-child reading
- Kindergarten
- Early readers
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