Hush, Little Rocket
What’s inside...
Bedtime goes out of this world with Hush, Little Rocket, a new picture book by New York Times-bestselling author Mo O’Hara! This celestial lullaby, sung to the tune of “Hush Little Baby,” takes readers on a gentle bedtime flight starting at the sun and coming home to a launchpad on Neptune’s largest moon. Sweeping illustrations by Alexandra Cook bring the Milky Way to life, and additional backmatter provides more planetary facts for curious stargazers. Perfect for tiny astronauts!
Age
1-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the little rocket feels as it zooms through space?
What would you pack for a trip to the stars?
Why is it important for the little rocket to have friends in space?
How would you help the little rocket if it got scared?
What new planets would you like the little rocket to explore next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize expressive voice tones to mimic the rocket’s journey, enhancing the storytelling experience.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own space adventure, building on the scenes from the book.
Discuss the value of friendship and teamwork as shown by the rocket's interactions with other characters.
Link the story to real space exploration to cultivate curiosity and learning about space.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The story illustrates the little rocket's continuous efforts to reach the stars, despite facing challenges along the way.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of staying persistent in achieving their goals, even when they encounter difficulties.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The little rocket receives help from other celestial characters, showing that collaboration is crucial to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school or during play, where working together can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing the vastness of space, the little rocket shows bravery, teaching children the value of courage when exploring new or unknown territories.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face new experiences, such as trying new sports or making new friends, with bravery and openness.
Example Lesson: Dreaming Big
Explanation: The story's premise of a rocket wanting to reach the stars encourages children to dream big and set high aspirations.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to have big ambitions and understand that no dream is too large to pursue with dedication and hard work.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: As the rocket encounters obstacles, it finds creative solutions to navigate past them, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in their daily challenges, learning to think critically and find solutions in difficult situations.