Grade K–3Friendship & Patience

Stalactite & Stalagmite

Written by Drew Beckmeyer

Illustrated by Drew Beckmeyer

Deep inside a cave, a stalactite hangs from the ceiling and a stalagmite rises from the floor — and they have been slowly, drip by drip, growing toward each other for thousands of years. This quietly funny and deeply moving picture book celebrates the kind of friendship that takes time, patience, and a whole lot of hope.

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From the Library Director

Drew Beckmeyer's spare, witty storytelling makes this a perfect read-aloud for sparking conversations about patience, hope, and what it means to truly connect with someone. The geological hook gives teachers a natural science tie-in, while the emotional core resonates with every age.

Big Idea

The best friendships are worth waiting for — even if it takes a very, very long time.

Discussion Questions

1
Stalactite and Stalagmite have never met, but they still feel connected. Have you ever felt close to someone you hadn't seen in a long time? What made you feel that way?
2
The two characters grow toward each other very slowly. Why do you think the author chose to tell a story about something that takes thousands of years?
3
What does it mean to be patient? Can you think of something in your own life that required a lot of patience?
4
Stalactite grows down and Stalagmite grows up. How are they different from each other? How are they the same?
5
The cave is very dark and quiet. How does the setting affect the mood of the story? How would the story feel different if it took place somewhere else?
6
Do you think Stalactite and Stalagmite will ever meet? What do you hope happens?
7
What is something you would wait a very long time for? What makes it worth waiting for?
8
The author uses humor in a story about something very slow and serious. How does the humor change the way you feel about the characters?

Activity: Growing Toward Each Other

Students explore patience and connection through a creative writing and science activity inspired by the book.

1
Show students a photo of real stalactites and stalagmites. Discuss how they form — one drip of mineral-rich water at a time — and how long the process takes.
2
Ask students to imagine they are either a stalactite or a stalagmite. What would they think about while waiting? What would they hope for?
3
Have students write a short journal entry from the perspective of their chosen character, describing one day (or one drip) in the cave.
4
Pair students up — one stalactite, one stalagmite — and have them share their journal entries with each other as if they are finally 'meeting.'
5
As a class, discuss: What does this activity teach us about patience, hope, and the value of slow, steady effort?

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K-3.3 — Describe characters and how their actions contribute to the sequence of events
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K-3.6 — Identify the point of view of the narrator or characters
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K-3.3 — Write narratives using details and temporal words to signal event order
NGSS K-ESS2 — Earth's Systems: Observe and describe patterns in the natural world (cave formations)
SEL — Self-Management: Demonstrate patience and persistence toward long-term goals
SEL — Relationship Skills: Recognize the value of connection, empathy, and mutual effort in friendships