Mitchell's License (Mitchell Goes)
Mitchell Goes Series
What’s inside...
Hop in for a hilarious, heartwarming ride with four-year-old Mitchell, a kid with a need for speed, a lead foot, and a very special license to drive. Mitchell was four years, one month, and five days old when he got his license. He may need a little boost getting into the driver's seat, but once he's behind the wheel, his car sure goes fast! Left turn, right turn, slow down for speed bumps - Mitchell is a pro. And he loves the way that horn sounds! There's just one problem: Mitchell and his car have a slight disagreement about what type of fuel should go into the tank. With warmth and sly wit, Hallie Durand follows a young child obsessed with all things automobile, while Tony Fucile's comical illustrations convey the well-tuned bond between an obliging father and a high-octane child.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mitchell
Dad
Discussion points
How do you think Mitchell feels when he gets his special license? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
What responsibilities do you think come with having a license, even a pretend one like Mitchell’s?
Why do you think Mitchell's dad allows him to drive back to bed every night?
What are some rules you think are important to follow when playing pretend games like Mitchell?
How do you think Mitchell’s relationship with his dad changes throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Mitchell’s shoes. This can deepen their understanding of the character’s feelings and actions.
Discuss the concept of responsibility and trust. Highlight how Mitchell’s dad trusts him with a license and what that means.
Explore the fun and creativity in the story by asking your child how they would use a pretend license or what kind of pretend game they would invent.
After reading, engage in a pretend play session similar to Mitchell’s driving game to make the experience interactive and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Mitchell learns to take care of his 'car,' his father, by ensuring he doesn't bump into things, practicing good driving habits.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by undertaking small responsibilities at home, like tidying up toys or helping set the table, learning to care for their belongings and surroundings.
Example Lesson: Imagination
Explanation: Mitchell creatively turns daily bedtime routine into a fun, imaginative game of driving a car.
Real-World Application: Kids can use their imagination to transform mundane tasks into exciting adventures, making everyday activities more engaging and enjoyable.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The shared game between Mitchell and his father helps strengthen their relationship and create joyful memories.
Real-World Application: This demonstrates the importance of spending quality time with family members, and children can seek to engage in activities that involve family participation.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Mitchell navigates through the obstacles in his path, thinking quickly to avoid 'crashes' as he 'drives' his dad.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think on their feet and address challenges they face in their activities, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Following Rules
Explanation: Mitchell adheres to specific 'driving' rules set by his father, including what paths to take and where to park.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of following rules and guidelines, whether at home, in school or while playing with others.