How Does 'Horace And Morris But Mostly Dolores' Teach Friendship?

This book nails friendship by showing it’s okay to drift apart and come back stronger. Horace and Morris get swept up in their new club’s excitement, oblivious to Dolores’s loneliness. But her response isn’t resentment—it’s invention. She builds a space where quirks are welcome, and that’s what ultimately pulls the trio back together. The story rejects the idea that friends must do everything jointly; instead, it highlights trust and giving each other room to grow. Dolores’s club isn’t retaliation—it’s an invitation, and that’s the real win. The boys’ return isn’t out of pity but admiration for her boldness. It’s a subtle nod to how friendships evolve: sometimes you need space to appreciate what you had.

'Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores' is a gem for exploring friendship through whimsy and depth. The trio’s bond is tested when the boys join a "boys-only" club, leaving Dolores feeling excluded. Her journey isn’t about forcing her way in but finding her own path—she creates a club where everyone belongs, redefining friendship as inclusivity, not conformity. The book subtly critiques gender norms, showing true friendship thrives when you respect individuality. Dolores doesn’t just mend the rift; she proves friendship isn’t about sameness but celebrating differences. Her resilience and creativity turn a moment of rejection into a lesson on loyalty and self-worth.

The story’s magic lies in its simplicity. The mice’s world mirrors real kid dynamics—cliques, hurt feelings, and making up—but wraps it in warmth. When Horace and Morris realize their mistake, they don’t just apologize; they join Dolores’s club, showing growth. It teaches kids that real friends value you for who you are, not where you fit. The illustrations amplify this, with Dolores’s vibrant personality shining even when she’s left out. It’s a timeless lesson: friendship means having the courage to be yourself and the heart to include others.

I love how 'Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores' frames friendship as a choice, not an obligation. When the boys exclude Dolores, she doesn’t beg to join—she innovates. Her new club, 'The Cheese Puffs,' isn’t about exclusion but creativity, attracting even the boys later. The message? Friendship isn’t static. It’s okay to outgrow phases, but true bonds endure when you respect each other’s paths. Dolores teaches kids that self-respect comes first—friendship should lift you up, not clip your wings. The story’s humor softens the blow, making the lesson stick without feeling preachy.

The book’s brilliance is in its balance. Dolores isn’t just a victim; she’s the hero who rewrites the rules. When Horace and Morris leave, she doesn’t mope—she creates a club where laughter and weirdness reign. Their eventual reunion isn’t forced; it’s organic, showing friendship can weather change. Kids learn that exclusion hurts, but responding with kindness and ingenuity wins. Dolores’s club symbolizes what friendship should be: a place where everyone gets to be their weird, wonderful selves.