Night Ride to Nanna's
What’s inside...
Night Ride to Nanna's is a warm, sensuous story that captures the magic and adventure of a car trip through a city at night. Jenny Koralek and Mandy Sutcliffe evoke the feelings of comfort and safety that come from being on the road to a very special place-and of knowing you are loved, both going and coming.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the night ride to Nanna's special?
How do you feel when you visit your grandparents or a loved one?
What are some things you noticed about the night scenery described in the book?
Why do you think the character was excited to get to Nanna's house?
Can you think of a time when you went on a journey that was exciting like the night ride?
Tip: Role play these questions
Make the reading session interactive by asking your child to describe their feelings and thoughts about visiting loved ones, similar to the character's experience. Use expressive read-aloud techniques to bring the scenery in the book to life, helping your child visualize the night ride. After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their own 'special ride' to a loved one's home, integrating elements from the story and their personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonding
Explanation: The story follows a child's journey to Nanna’s house, emphasizing the joy and anticipation of family visits.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and look forward to spending time with extended family, fostering strong family relationships.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear of the Dark
Explanation: The protagonist travels during nighttime, which addresses common childhood fears associated with darkness.
Real-World Application: This can help children feel more confident during the night and understand that darkness is a natural part of the day.
Example Lesson: Imagination in Travel
Explanation: The child's journey is filled with imaginative scenarios, illustrating how travel can be a creative and enriching experience.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their own journeys, even routine ones, as opportunities for imaginative play and storytelling.
Example Lesson: Respect for Routine
Explanation: The book highlights preparation for the trip, such as packing and setting off on time, underlining the importance of planning and punctuality.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being prepared and respectful of schedules, which is applicable to school or any appointments.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Pleasures
Explanation: The excitement of the child in the story over simple aspects of the trip, like the scenery or anticipating Nanna’s cooking, emphasizes finding joy in simple moments.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate the small, everyday pleasures and find happiness in moments that might seem mundane.