Bulldozer's Big Day
The Bulldozer Books Series
What’s inside...
Big trucks and a birthday surprise make this construction site treat an irresistible read-aloud, illustrated by a Caldecott Medalist! It's Bulldozer's big day: his birthday! But around the construction site, it seems like everyone is too busy to remember. Bulldozer wheels around asking his truck friends if they know what day it is, but they each only say it's a work day. They go on scooping, sifting, stirring, filling, and lifting, and little Bulldozer grows more and more glum. But when the whistle blows at the end of the busy day, Bulldozer discovers a construction site surprise, especially for him!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Bulldozer feel on his big day, and what can we do when we feel the same?
What are some things Bulldozer's friends did to make his day special?
Why do you think it's important to remember our friends' special days?
How can we help our friends feel important on their special days?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the conversation by sharing a personal story about a special day you remember and how it made you feel.
Encourage your child to think about how they can make their friends or family members feel special on important days.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out expressions and ask your child to guess how the characters might be feeling at different points in the story.
After reading, plan a mini celebration for a family member or a friend's upcoming special day with your child, applying the lessons learned from Bulldozer's experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Patience
Explanation: In the story, Bulldozer learns to wait patiently for his friends to surprise him for his birthday. Despite initial disappointments, his patience is rewarded with joy and celebration.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to wait for good things and understand that sometimes patience can lead to rewarding experiences.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The book highlights how Bulldozer's friends come together to plan a surprise, showing care and thoughtfulness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate their friends and the happiness that comes from caring and sharing moments with others.
Example Lesson: Recognizing Personal Importance
Explanation: Bulldozer feels neglected at first, but eventually realizes he is appreciated when his friends throw him a surprise party.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that even if they feel overlooked at times, they are valued and loved by those around them.