Junkyard
on Goodreads (360)
What’s inside...
The yard is filled with junk, but the Munching Machine robots are ready to take on the task of cleaning it up. Through a series of actions like crunching, chewing, chomping, slurping, and sweeping, they manage to clear the junkyard. Once the area is clean, the robots then proceed to build, dig, plant, and decorate, transforming the space into a beautiful park for everyone to enjoy. This lively story is told through fun, rhyming text and features captivating robots, making it an engaging read-aloud that also encourages clean-up projects and community building.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you notice about how the robots transformed the junkyard?
How do you think the junkyard felt before and after it was cleaned up?
Why is it important to keep our environment clean?
What can we do to help reduce waste in our own home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, introduce your child to the concept of recycling and why it is important for our planet.
Pause at different points in the story to ask your child how they feel about the changes in the junkyard.
After reading, encourage your child to think of ways they can help keep their room or neighborhood clean.
Use the illustrations in the book to discuss the effects of pollution on different environments and ecosystems.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Resourcefulness
Explanation: In 'Junkyard', children witness characters transforming a cluttered, chaotic junkyard into an orderly, fun environment using imaginative and inventive methods.
Real-World Application: Children learn to see potential in what others might discard and apply creativity to solve problems around them, such as reusing materials for art projects or organizing their spaces.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of working together as the characters collaborate to clean up the junkyard. Their success is portrayed as a result of their cooperative efforts.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value teamwork in activities at school, in sports, and during playtimes with friends, understanding that common goals are often achieved more effectively together.
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: Through the transformation of the junkyard, the book teaches the importance of taking care of the environment by recycling and reusing items instead of contributing to waste.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in recycling programs, learn about sustainable practices, and be motivated to keep their surroundings clean.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in 'Junkyard' face the challenge of cleaning up a massive, disorganized space. The story shows them strategizing and solving the problem step by step.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to approach their own challenges methodically, whether it's figuring out a difficult homework question or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the overwhelming task, the characters persist through difficulties until they achieve their goal of cleaning up the junkyard.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving their goals, teaching them to not give up in the face of obstacles whether in academics, personal projects, or personal growth.