Around Town
Peekabooks Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
This vibrant, exuberant tour of New York City, illustrated in colorful, detailed watercolors, will delight children. A dark-haired girl and her mother walk through the streets and enjoy all of the fun the city has to offer on a summer day -- street entertainment, eating outdoors at a sidewalk restaurant, feeding pigeons. A good choice for story hours.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the town we visited in the book, and why?
How do you think the people in the town feel about their community?
What are some ways the people in the book help each other?
Can you think of any places in our town that are similar to the ones in the book?
If you could add one place to our town, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the sense of community and teamwork by pointing out how characters interact with each other.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their experiences and the events in the book to deepen their connection to the story.
Ask your child to imagine their own 'perfect town' and describe what kind of shops, parks, or other places they would include.
Use a map of your own town to help your child make connections between the book’s settings and familiar places.
After reading, take a walk around your neighborhood and identify similarities and differences from the town in the book to make the story more relevant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Community Awareness
Explanation: In 'Around Town,' children are introduced to various community members and their roles, helping them understand how different professions contribute to the functioning of a town.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and appreciating different community workers they encounter in their own town, enhancing their sense of community and respect for different professions.
Example Lesson: Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The book depicts a diverse range of characters interacting in the town, showcasing various cultures and lifestyles, which promotes inclusiveness and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace and celebrate diversity in their schools and neighborhoods, fostering an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Scenes in the book show community members working together to solve problems and organize events, highlighting the value of cooperation and collective effort.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to collaborate with peers in group projects or community activities, understanding that teamwork often leads to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Support Local Businesses
Explanation: The narrative encourages visiting and supporting local shops and businesses, teaching children the importance of contributing to their local economy.
Real-World Application: Children can practice this lesson by accompanying adults to local markets and stores, helping them understand the significance of supporting local entrepreneurs.