Are We There Yet?
What’s inside...
Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat takes readers on an imaginative road trip in his new book. A boy experiences time slowing down and going backward during a boring car ride, leading him on an adventure through different historical periods including Ancient Egypt and the time of pirates and dinosaurs. As the boy tries to reach his grandmother's birthday party, he encounters various historical figures and events, making for an astonishingly inventive journey that changes his perspective on being bored.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different places the family visited in the book make you feel?
What do you think the character learned about patience during their trip?
If you could choose, what magical place would you like to visit and why?
What part of the time travel adventure excited you the most and why?
How did the illustrations help tell the story of their journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the book might be about based on the cover and title.
Encourage your child to describe the emotions of the characters at different parts of the book.
During reading, pause at exciting moments and ask predictive questions to keep your child engaged and thinking ahead.
Post-reading, connect the story to your child's experiences by discussing a time when they had to wait for something exciting.
Use the illustrations in the book to delve deeper into the story, asking your child to describe what they see and how it adds to the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: As the journey in the story unfolds, the young protagonist learns to find joy and excitement in waiting and observing the journey itself rather than focusing solely on the destination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the process and enjoy the moment rather than being fixated on the outcome, which is essential in everyday tasks and long-term goals.
Example Lesson: Imagination
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character experiences a fantastical adventure that bends time and space, showing the power and creativity of a child’s imagination when faced with the monotony of a long car ride.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination to transform mundane situations into extraordinary experiences, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: History and Culture
Explanation: As the characters travel through time, they encounter various historical and cultural milestones, providing a fun and engaging way to introduce young readers to important events and eras.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore and learn more about history and different cultures, which can foster a sense of curiosity and respect for diversity.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The story emphasizes the shared experience between the child and his parents during the road trip, highlighting the importance of family connections and shared memories.
Real-World Application: It promotes spending quality time with family, which is crucial for building strong family relationships and emotional security.