My Planet Vacation
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Join Penelope and her family of colorful cats as they plan an imaginative trip to explore the planets in our solar system. Filled with fun characters like monkeys, space cars, and astronauts, this bedtime story blends creativity, humor, and adventure. As Penelope discusses vacation plans with her mom, they embark on a solar system adventure that brings each planet to life through zany encounters. Will Penelope convince her mom to take their next vacation on the planets? This book is a collaboration between mother-daughter duo Kelli and Lexie, who aim to inspire children with fun and humorous bedtime stories about exciting vacation ideas.
Age
3-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the different planets the characters visited? Which one would you like to go to and why?
How did the characters solve problems they encountered on their journey? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem in a similar way?
What did the characters learn during their adventure? What did you learn from their experiences?
If you could take your own planet vacation, what would you pack and who would you bring along with you?
How did the story make you feel? Were there any parts that surprised you or made you think differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite planet from the book using their senses, like what it might look like, sound like, or even smell like.
Ask follow-up questions that relate the book’s events to your child’s personal experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection and understanding.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and problem-solving in the story, relating it to everyday situations your child might encounter.
Create a fun activity where your child can draw or craft their dream planet inspired by the book, encouraging creativity and reinforcing the story's themes.
Use praise to reinforce your child’s insights and opinions about the story, building their confidence and enthusiasm for discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: In 'My Planet Vacation,' the protagonist explores various ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and care for their environment, translating to habits like recycling and conserving energy.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story showcases interactions with diverse creatures, teaching the protagonist to understand and respect differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace diversity and practice empathy in their daily interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey is driven by a quest for knowledge about different planets, sparking curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to ask questions and seek out new experiences, enhancing their educational growth.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character encounters and solves various challenges during the adventure.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of critical thinking and resilience, skills that children can apply at school and in social situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The story concludes with the protagonist valuing time spent with family after the adventures, emphasizing family bonds.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to cherish and prioritize family time, strengthening familial relationships.