Poco Loco
#1 of 33 in Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (172)
What’s inside...
Meet Poco Loco, a very unusual ratón who loves inventing wacky things. His latest invention, the Waffle Iron-Weather Forecaster, predicts bad weather, but his barnyard friends don't believe him because it's still sunny. However, when a strong wind disrupts their picnic, Poco Loco and his friends are swept away. Using his wits and a crazy invention, Poco Loco saves the day. A Spanish/English glossary is included to help with language learning.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Poco Loco special in his inventive ways?
How do you feel when Poco Loco creates his new inventions?
Why do you think Poco Loco’s friends reacted the way they did to his inventions?
Can you think of a time when you created something unique like Poco Loco?
What would you invent if you had the chance, and how would it help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight Poco Loco’s creativity and ask your child about any ideas they have for making things.
Discuss the reactions of Poco Loco’s friends to his inventions to talk about feelings and empathy.
Encourage your child to describe their own inventions or imaginative creations, fostering a deeper connection to Poco Loco's character.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to ask your child what they would do differently if they were in Poco Loco’s shoes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Curiosity
Explanation: Poco Loco, the inventive little mouse, demonstrates the importance of curiosity through his adventures and inventive projects. His constant questioning and experimenting underline the educational message.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to ask questions and explore new hobbies or subjects that pique their interest, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Poco Loco encounters various challenges that he resolves using his wit and inventions, illustrating the value of problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach obstacles in their lives creatively, using their intelligence and resources to find solutions.
Example Lesson: The Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing setbacks in his experiments, Poco Loco persists until he succeeds, showcasing the moral of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether it be in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The story highlights how Poco Loco’s unique ideas and perspectives are initially misunderstood by others but ultimately appreciated, teaching children to value diversity.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the differing viewpoints and skills of others around them, promoting harmony and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: As Poco Loco invents, he makes mistakes, but each time he learns and improves, conveying the critical message that mistakes are part of learning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to see mistakes as opportunities for growth and not as failures, helping them to embrace challenges confidently.