Maybelle the Cable Car
on Goodreads (698)
What’s inside...
Maybelle loves to carry people up and down the hilly streets of San Francisco, until the City Fathers decide that she should be taken out of service in the name of progress.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maybelle The Cable Car
Discussion points
How do you think Maybelle felt when she learned she might be taken out of service?
What qualities make Maybelle different from the other cable cars?
Why do you think the people of the city wanted to save Maybelle?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone or something in need? What did you do?
What does this story teach us about the importance of community and teamwork?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief explanation about what a cable car is, enhancing your child’s understanding and connection to the story.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next, helping them to engage actively with the narrative.
After reading, connect the story to your child's experiences by discussing any local landmarks or transportation methods your community cherishes.
Encourage your child to express what they found most memorable about Maybelle’s story and perhaps draw a picture of their favorite scene, fostering both comprehension and creativity.
Discuss the book’s illustrations and how they add depth to the story, aiding in your child’s visual and spatial development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Maybelle, the cable car, demonstrates resilience by continuing her journey despite the challenges and changes happening in the city.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist and continue striving towards their goals, even when facing difficulties or changes in their environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The story shows how the community comes together to save Maybelle and other cable cars from being replaced, emphasizing the power of collective action.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of community involvement and how teamwork can help achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Maybelle's story highlights how she adapts to the changes happening around her, demonstrating that change can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open to change and to see it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Example Lesson: Preservation of History
Explanation: Through the campaign to save the cable cars, the book teaches the importance of preserving historical artifacts and traditions.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of respect and appreciation for history and cultural heritage in children, motivating them to learn about and preserve their own traditions.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Maybelle shows courage by facing the threat of being replaced, underscoring the importance of standing up for oneself.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that it's important to be brave in the face of challenges and to stand up for what they believe is right.