Roller Coaster
on Goodreads (1,093)
What’s inside...
From Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Marla Frazee comes a thrilling picture book that takes readers on an exhilarating ride up, up, up to the highest point of a roller coaster. The story starts with a line of prospective riders, including at least one first-timer, and follows their breathtaking journey as they zoom, swerve, dip, and dive. With witty narrative and clever buildup of tension, Marla Frazee delivers an experience that captures a hilarious range of reactions and helps readers overcome their roller coaster anxiety. This delightful book, filled with excitement and humor, will leave readers eager for another ride.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different characters react to riding the roller coaster? Which reaction do you relate to the most?
What do you think the characters learned after their roller coaster ride?
How does the illustration style change throughout the book? What do the bright colors and bold lines tell you about the mood of the scenes?
If you could design your own roller coaster, what exciting features would it have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to talk about their own feelings of anticipation and excitement in new experiences, similar to the characters in the book. Use the illustrations as a way to discuss emotions, pointing out facial expressions and body language of the characters. Highlight the ups and downs in the story as a metaphor for real-life challenges and joys. Lastly, imagine together about designing a fun roller coaster, discussing creativity and innovation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing New Experiences
Explanation: The story depicts various passengers experiencing the thrill of a roller coaster ride, emphasizing the joy and exhilaration that comes with trying new things.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and try new activities at school or in social settings, fostering personal growth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: The narrative showcases characters who are initially apprehensive about the roller coaster but eventually enjoy the ride, demonstrating the triumph over their fears.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it's okay to feel scared and that facing and overcoming their fears can lead to enjoyable and rewarding experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of Shared Experiences
Explanation: The diverse group of people on the roller coaster together highlights the enjoyment of shared experiences and camaraderie between strangers.
Real-World Application: Promotes the value of sharing experiences with others, whether with family or friends, to build relationships and create lasting memories.
Example Lesson: Patience and Anticipation
Explanation: The buildup to the actual ride captures the essence of anticipation and the patience required before reaching a thrilling or desired outcome.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of patience and the reward of waiting for something eagerly anticipated, be it a school event, a family outing, or a personal achievement.
Example Lesson: Coping with Disappointment
Explanation: Not all characters are thrilled at the end of the ride, portraying how to cope gracefully with less favorable outcomes.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to handle disappointments in a healthy way, understanding that not all experiences will meet their expectations, and that's part of life.