Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day
#3 in Jo Jo Makoons Series
What’s inside...
Oh, snow day, snow day, what a very fun no-school day! Jo Jo Makoons is back in the third book in this favorite chapter book series, and she’s planning the very best version of the winter Olympics that her Ojibwe community has ever seen. Jo Jo Makoons has noticed that the family members she loves most—Mama, Kokum, and even her cat, Mimi—all have their own ways of being healthy. So when Teacher says that their class will be learning about healthy habits, Jo Jo is ready to be neighborly by helping everyone around her be healthy too. After a snowstorm shuts down her Ojibwe reservation, Jo Jo uses her big imagination and big personality to help both Elders and classmates alike. Because after all, being healthy means being together! With her signature heart and hilarity, in this third book in her chapter book series, Jo Jo Makoons shows care for her community as only this vibrant young girl can. The first book in this acclaimed chapter book series was an American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book; a best book of the year from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, American Indians in Children's Literature, and the Chicago Public Library; a Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book; and a Cooperative Children's Book Center CCBC Choices selection.
Character compass
Jo Jo Makoons
Discussion points
How do you think Jo Jo felt when she woke up to a snow day? Can you describe a time when you felt the same?
What are some of the ways Jo Jo and her friends used their creativity on the snow day? What would you have done if you were there with them?
Jo Jo shows great friendship in the book. What does being a good friend mean to you?
How do the illustrations enhance your understanding of the story? How do they make you feel?
If you could add another adventure to Jo Jo’s snow day, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child about their favorite part of the book to initiate interest. As you discuss Jo Jo’s feelings and actions, connect them to your child’s own experiences. Encourage your child to describe what they see in the illustrations and how those images help tell the story. Use these discussions to foster empathy and understanding, highlighting Jo Jo’s creativity and kindness. Lastly, prompt your child’s imagination by asking how they might extend the story with their own snow day adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day', Jo Jo shows care and understanding towards her friends during their snowy adventures, teaching children the value of considering others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being mindful of their friends' emotions and reactions in school or during play, ensuring they support and nurture their relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jo Jo faces various challenges that she needs to solve, like finding ways to enjoy the snow day despite unforeseen problems. This helps children learn to think critically and find solutions.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these problem-solving skills to tackle their own challenges, like dealing with a change in plans or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Jo Jo uses her imagination to make the most out of a snowy day. Her creative thinking encourages children to see the fun and potential in every situation.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace their creativity by finding new and innovative ways to play or by turning ordinary objects into tools for imaginative play.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Jo Jo demonstrates resilience as she navigates the ups and downs of her snow day, showing kids that it's okay to face setbacks as long as you keep trying.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persevere through difficulties in their own lives, whether it’s learning a new skill or adapting to changes at school.