Last Stop on the Reindeer Express
What’s inside...
Mia misses her Grandpa and feels that Christmas has lost its magic without him. When she discovers a mysterious post box, she is whisked away on a magical adventure across sparkling seas and streets made of paper stars. Along her journey, Mia's feelings about spending Christmas away from a loved one are beautifully articulated through peep-through pages, lift-the-flaps, and captivating illustrations by Karl James Mountford. Last Stop on the Reindeer Express is an enchanting tale that explores love and adventure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mia felt when she found the magical mailbox? Can you remember a time you discovered something exciting?
What do you think about the different places Mia saw when she rode the Reindeer Express? Which place would you like to visit?
Why is it important to be with family and friends during special occasions like Christmas?
How did the Reindeer Express help Mia solve her problem? What would you do if you were in her shoes?
What do you think is the message of this story? How did the story make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions as they relate to Mia’s journey. Discuss the importance of family and staying connected, especially during the holidays.
Ask your child to describe the magical elements in the book, such as the Reindeer Express and the mysterious mailbox. It helps in developing descriptive language skills.
Draw parallels between the travels of Mia and your family’s own experiences of journeys or separations. It makes the story more relatable and fosters empathy.
Highlight the importance of solving problems and being brave, as Mia was in the story. Discuss with your child any problems they solved on their own.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of family connections
Explanation: The story revolves around a young girl named Mia who misses her grandfather during Christmas. Her magical journey aboard the Reindeer Express to deliver her card exemplifies the deep bonds of family love.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and maintain family relationships, even from a distance, by using creative means such as writing letters or making thoughtful gestures.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Mia shows bravery as she travels through magical portals to reach her grandfather, demonstrating that sometimes one must step into the unknown to reach beloved goals.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to tackle new challenges or environments, such as starting a new school or trying a new activity, with confidence and bravery.
Example Lesson: Expression through creative outlets
Explanation: Mia’s use of a heartfelt card to express her feelings to her grandfather highlights the power of creative expression in maintaining relationships and sharing emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and express their feelings through art, writing, or other creative forms, fostering emotional intelligence and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: By focusing on Mia’s longing and efforts to connect with her grandfather, the book teaches empathy by putting readers in Mia’s shoes, feeling her sadness and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and share the feelings of others in their own lives, promoting a kinder, more empathetic approach to friends and family.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in achieving goals
Explanation: Mia’s journey through magical doors, despite obstacles, ultimately leads her to her grandfather, teaching the importance of perseverance in reaching one’s objectives.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to persist in their endeavors, whether they are academic goals, personal projects, or interpersonal relationships.