Neptune
Our solar system Series
What’s inside...
Neptune tells the story of a boy and his family living in San Francisco. The boy has a passion for hunting fossils and constructing cities from old cardboard boxes. He shares a special bond with his father over their cherished old blue bus, named Neptune. Although rusty and unreliable, Neptune holds a special place in their hearts. During a family outing for a fossil hunt, Neptune's engine fails, but in doing so, teaches everyone an important lesson about appreciating one another and the value of slowing down. This heartwarming tale highlights the unique love between a father and son and their appreciation for an old bus that ultimately transforms their neighborhood.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think would be the most exciting thing about living on Neptune?
How do you think the characters felt when they discovered a new world in the story?
Why is teamwork important when exploring unknown places, like Neptune?
What would you bring with you if you were going on a trip to Neptune?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading tones to bring the story of Neptune to life, making the experience more immersive for your child.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own version of Neptune, enhancing their creative thinking.
Relate the story’s themes of exploration and discovery to real-world scenarios to make the discussion more relevant.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book, helping them retain and interpret the story visually.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Neptune,' the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with creatures from different parts of the universe, showcasing the importance of acceptance and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and respect differences in their peers, leading to more inclusive play and interaction at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: The story emphasizes the bravery required to explore unknown places and face new challenges, mirroring the protagonist's journey on planet Neptune.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be adventurous and courageous, trying new activities or making new friends, which builds their confidence and social skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist's curiosity leads them to discover new worlds and make new friends, highlighting how asking questions and exploring can lead to wonderful experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to explore their own world, ask questions in class, or embark on learning new skills, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face various challenges that they overcome by thinking critically and creatively, teaching the value of problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of facing academic and personal challenges head-on, using their intellect and creativity to find solutions.