How the Sun Got to Coco's House
on Goodreads (448)
What’s inside...
Follow the journey of the sun across the world from a whale’s eye to a little girl’s window in Bob Graham’s tender, transcendent story. While Coco sleeps far away, the sun creeps over a hill and skids across the water, touching a fisherman’s cap. It heads out over frozen forests, making shadows in a child’s footprints, and balances on an airplane’s wing for a little boy to see. The sun crosses cities and countrysides, wakes furry creatures, makes a desert rainbow, and barges into Coco’s room to follow her through a day of play. With an eye for capturing small moments of shared experience, Bob Graham illuminates the natural wonder that comes with every new day.
Age
4-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Coco
The Sun
Discussion points
How do you think the sun feels about its journey to Coco’s house?
What are some of the different places and creatures the sun sees before arriving at Coco's house?
How does the arrival of the sun change the scene at Coco’s house?
Why is the sun important for Coco and her friends?
Can you think of a day when the sun made you feel happy like Coco?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to highlight the sun’s journey across diverse landscapes, enhancing the sense of adventure.
Pause at each new scene to ask your child what they see and how it might feel to be there, fostering observational skills.
Discuss the importance of the sun in everyday life, relating it back to personal experiences to make the connection stronger.
Encourage your child to describe how the illustrations make them feel, promoting emotional intelligence and empathy.
After reading, consider drawing a scene where the sun is visiting your own home, which can help reinforce the story's themes and enhance creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing and kindness
Explanation: Throughout the journey of the sun, it interacts with various scenarios and characters, showing warmth and kindness universally.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their own 'warmth' and kindness with friends and family in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding different cultures and environments
Explanation: As the sun travels from place to place, it highlights different cultures and environments, broadening the reader's worldview.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and respect diversity among their peers and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The book's depiction of the sun’s path encourages curiosity about natural phenomena and geography.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and ask questions about the natural world and its workings.
Example Lesson: Consistency and Reliability
Explanation: The sun’s predictable pattern in the book reinforces the concept of consistency.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of being reliable and consistent in their routines and commitments.