Lawn to Lawn
on Goodreads (241)
What’s inside...
Not everyone loves lawn ornaments, but Pearl was different as she was their friend and the only human who knew they were real. So when Pearl's family moves and leaves their pink flamingo, deer, gnome, and lawn jockey behind, Flo, Betty, Norm, and Jack know they must embark on a perilous journey to find Pearl. They travel through cities, suburbs, mountains, and swamps, facing storms, gargoyles, and avoiding the dreaded trash truck along the way. In this quirky tale of toys-come-to-life, Dan Yaccarino underscores that home is where the heart is and that no journey is too difficult when it leads to the one you love.
Discussion points
What do you think the lawn ornaments felt when they were left behind?
How did the journey change the relationship between the ornaments?
Why do you think teamwork was important for their adventure?
What would you have done if you were one of the lawn ornaments?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by asking your child to describe their favorite part of the book, this warms up the discussion.
Use expressive facial gestures and voice modulation to reflect the emotions of the characters when discussing their feelings and actions.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the ornaments' journey and any similar experiences they might have faced, like moving to a new school or neighborhood.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about a time they had to work with others to achieve a common goal.
After discussing the book’s questions, encourage your child to think about their own adventure story featuring their favorite toy or object.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Lawn to Lawn,' the garden ornaments team up to embark on a journey to reconnect with their owner. This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or coordinating with siblings at home to complete tasks, highlighting the effectiveness and joy of collective effort.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters encounter various obstacles but continue to persevere. This teaches children the importance of persistence even when faced with difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s life when dealing with academic challenges or learning new skills, encouraging them to keep trying and not give up easily.
Example Lesson: The importance of belonging and community
Explanation: As the garden ornaments travel in search of their owner, they realize the significance of being part of a caring community. The story highlights how connection and belonging provide emotional support.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to building relationships with friends and family, understanding the importance of being part of a community where they feel supported and valued.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The characters adapt to new environments as they travel from their familiar garden to unknown territories. This showcases the need to be flexible and adjust to new situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be more adaptable when they switch schools, move to a new neighborhood, or even adapt to changes in their daily routines.
Example Lesson: Courage to take initiatives
Explanation: The garden ornaments decide to take matters into their own hands and find their owner instead of waiting passively. This act of bravery emphasizes the importance of taking initiatives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take the lead in their projects, voice their opinions, and engage proactively in new experiences both academically and socially.