Otto's Tales: Let's Visit the Hoover Dam
Otto's Tales Series
What’s inside...
Do your children know about America’s most famous dam? Young readers will learn important history and American values as they join Otto the bulldog and Smidge the kitten on their trip to the Hoover Dam in the southwestern United States. After getting lost on the way to summer camp with their pal Dennis, Otto and Smidge meet new, hardworking friends at the dam who help them learn the reward of teamwork and giving their best effort. With PragerU Kids’ storybook Otto’s Let’s Visit The Hoover Dam, young readers will appreciate our American values of hard work and integrity. Based on the beloved video series watched by millions of American families, the Otto's Let's Visit series takes K-2nd grade learners on an exciting adventure to America's monuments and iconic sites. Your children will learn about places like the Liberty Bell, Mount Rushmore, and Plymouth Rock in a fun, easy, and meaningful way. These beautifully illustrated storybooks and animated episodes star Otto the bulldog and his fluffy friend Smidge the kitten, as they go on exciting adventures across the United States, meeting new friends and learning important lessons about history, liberty, and more. This distinct series will bring your family closer together, while passing down the values, history, and traditions that unite us all as Americans.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Hoover Dam was built and how does it help the people living around it?
What are some of the ways the story shows teamwork and collaboration?
How do you think Otto felt when he saw the Hoover Dam for the first time?
Can you think of some reasons why visiting important landmarks like the Hoover Dam might be valuable?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading the book, point out the illustrations of the Hoover Dam and discuss its massive size and importance in real life.
Ask your child to imagine they are visiting the Hoover Dam with Otto, and ask what they would feel or do first.
After reading, consider watching a short documentary or looking at pictures online of the Hoover Dam to reinforce the visual understanding.
Encourage your child to think about other famous landmarks they know or would like to visit, linking it back to the story’s themes of discovery and adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story demonstrates how various people and groups must work together effectively to build monumental structures like the Hoover Dam.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, whether in classroom projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Engineering and innovation
Explanation: The book explores the engineering marvels behind the Hoover Dam, showcasing human ingenuity and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and be curious about science and engineering, perhaps inspiring future interest in these fields.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Otto's Tales highlights the challenges faced during the construction of the Hoover Dam and the persistence of the workers in overcoming them.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in the face of difficulties, applicable in their academic pursuits and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Historical significance
Explanation: The book provides a historical context of the Hoover Dam, explaining its impact on American history and development.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and learn from history, understanding how past innovations continue to affect modern life.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: Through the narrative of the Hoover Dam, the book touches upon themes of natural resource management and environmental impact.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand the balance between development and environmental conservation, fostering early eco-consciousness.