Julian Rodriguez, Episode One: Trash Crisis on Earth
#1 of 2 in Julian Rodriguez Series
on Goodreads (120)
What’s inside...
Meet Julian Rodriguez, an extra-terrestrial genius trapped in the body of an eight-year-old human boy. A hilarious, fully illustrated series for young chapter-book readers that's out of this world! Julian Rodriguez is on a mission for the Mothership. He's been sent to Earth to study human lifeforms and their bizarre habits--from their disgusting diet (orange sticks named carrots, flavorless liquid called water, and the revolting substance known as veggie-dogs) to their repressive treatment of their young (forcing them to carry out menial tasks known as chores, withholding access to the great cultural masterpieces called cartoons). When Julian's Maternal Unit assigns a hideous task, it's nearly too much for the hardened space veteran to bear--but he finds his courage at last. It's out of this world! The first in a hilarious, fully illustrated series for young chapter-book readers, now in paperback.
Discussion points
Why do you think Julian feels like he's on a mission from another planet?
What do you think about Julian’s way of dealing with his school environment and family? How would you handle similar situations?
How do you feel about the role of Trash Bot and what it represents in the story?
What does Julian learn about responsibility and the environment by the end of the book? How can we apply that to our lives?
If you were to create a space mission, what would it be and why? How would you solve problems you encounter?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to Julian's, discuss each character's actions and their consequences, and explore the environmental themes. Emphasize understanding and empathy, promoting a deep, personal connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Through Julian's various missions to save Earth from trash, the book demonstrates the importance of being responsible and proactive in managing waste and protecting the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more conscious of their waste habits, by recycling and properly disposing of trash, thus contributing to a healthier planet.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Julian, who pretends to be an alien, finds ways to understand and empathize with humans. This helps him better integrate and form friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy towards their peers, understanding diverse perspectives, and fostering inclusive friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The character frequently faces challenges that require quick thinking and problem-solving skills, especially when dealing with the 'trash crisis.'
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to apply critical thinking and problem-solving in their daily challenges, whether in academic tasks or social situations.
Example Lesson: The Power of Imagination
Explanation: Julian uses his vivid imagination to create scenarios where he is a space warrior on a mission, which makes his adventures more thrilling and engaging.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their own imagination to enrich their playtime and learning experiences, making them more creative and innovative thinkers.