Rocketmole
on Goodreads (28)
What’s inside...
Rocketmole is a charming tale of an adventurous mole named Armstrong who dreams of going to the moon. Despite the skepticism of his fellow animals, he works hard to build a rocket. Even though his friends think it's an astronomically bad idea, Armstrong is determined to boldly go where no mole has gone before. Through determination and ingenuity, he proves that even a mole can become an astronaut.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Armstrong the mole want to go to the moon?
How did Armstrong overcome the challenges he faced during his journey?
What can we learn from Armstrong's friends who helped him build the rocket?
If you could design your own rocket, what would it look like and where would you go?
How do you think Armstrong felt when he finally reached the moon?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own space adventure, paralleling Armstrong's journey.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about a time they collaborated with others to achieve a goal.
After reading, engage in a creative activity such as drawing a scene from the book or building a simple model rocket from household items.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In the story, Armstrong the mole is determined to fulfill his dream of going to the moon, despite various obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through challenges to achieve their goals, applicable in school tasks or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Problem Solving
Explanation: Armstrong invents and builds his own rocket when no other options are available to reach the moon.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and find solutions when facing problems, whether in academics, sports, or social situations.
Example Lesson: Courage to Pursue Dreams
Explanation: Despite his small size and others doubting him, Armstrong courageously pursues his dream of space exploration.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to follow their dreams and aspirations no matter the doubts or challenges they might face from the external world.
Example Lesson: Learning from Failure
Explanation: Armstrong faces setbacks in his journey, but he uses these as learning experiences to improve his plan.
Real-World Application: Teaches kids that setbacks are natural and can be used as a stepping stone for future success.
Example Lesson: Sharing Achievements
Explanation: After fulfilling his dream, Armstrong shares his knowledge and experiences with other animals, inspiring them.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of sharing one's success and knowledge to uplift and inspire others in the community.