A Bus Called Heaven
on Goodreads (512)
What’s inside...
In this heartwarming tale, an abandoned bus with a sign that reads 'Heaven' appears in front of Stella's house, sparking curiosity and conversation among the neighborhood residents. As people gather around the bus, they begin to interact more, fostering a sense of community. Stella sees potential in the bus and declares it could belong to them. With a renewed sense of purpose, neighbors of all ages come together to transform the bus, and in the process, Stella grows and finds her place in the community. This whimsical story by Bob Graham highlights the magic in everyday life and the power of community.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Stella
Manny
The Towing Official
Discussion points
What would you do if a bus like Heaven appeared in our neighborhood?
How did the community change when they all came together to work on the bus?
What were some ways the characters in the book helped each other?
Why do you think the bus was named 'Heaven'?
How did you feel when the bus faced challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, explore the book’s illustrations together and predict what the story might be about.
Pause at key moments in the book to ask your child how they think a character feels or what they might do next.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences: ask if they have ever worked together with others to fix or create something.
Encourage your child to think about what makes their own community special, similar to how the bus brought the book's community together.
Help the child connect emotionally by discussing the importance of shared spaces and communal efforts in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Community Building
Explanation: The story demonstrates the power of a communal effort as characters from diverse backgrounds come together to transform a bus into a vibrant community hub.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of teamwork and community involvement by participating in local community projects or school events.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The narrative showcases how the characters use their creativity to repurpose the old bus, turning it into something beneficial for everyone.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in solving problems or repurposing items in their own lives, fostering a sustainable mindset.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The book portrays inclusivity through the wide range of characters who contribute and benefit from the bus, regardless of their age or background.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to embrace and celebrate diversity, promoting inclusive behaviors in school and community settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The community's determination in the face of challenges related to the bus portrays resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist and adapt in difficult situations, whether in academic challenges or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Change and Impact
Explanation: The transformation of the bus metaphorically shows how small changes can have big impacts.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to take initiative in making positive changes in their surroundings, understanding that their actions have impact.