That Car!
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
A delightful picture book about a family of kids who move to a farm and find an old car that takes them on magical adventures of the imagination. We found the old car in the shed the very first day we moved to the farm. Dad put it under the peppercorn tree. 'I'll take this old clunker down to the scrapyard one day,' he said. 'But you kids might as well play in it for the time being.' We couldn't wait to find out where that car would take us. A wonderful story about three children, Joey, Ellie, and Luke, who use their imagination to travel to the Base Camp of Mount Everest, Africa for a safari, Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen, and even to the moon. The detailed illustrations bring their fantastical adventures to life.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the car might say if it could talk?
How did the character's feelings about the car change throughout the story?
Why is the car important to the family in the book?
Can you think of an object that is special to our family like the car is to the family in the book?
What would you do if you had a car like the one in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child to describe the car in their own words, focusing on its characteristics and role in the story. Use expressive questions to explore their emotional reactions to the book. Relate discussions back to personal experiences or family values, which can deepen their understanding and connection to the story's themes. Encourage creative thinking by asking what adventures they would embark on with a similar mystical car.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: In 'That Car!', children are introduced to characters who work together to fix an old car. This collaboration showcases the importance of teamwork to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that by cooperating with siblings, friends, and classmates, they can accomplish group projects or solve problems more effectively.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The storyline highlights the characters' creative use of materials and ideas to restore the car. This encourages children to think outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using their imagination in play or during school projects, understanding that creativity can lead to amazing outcomes.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Persistence
Explanation: As the characters face challenges in fixing the car, their persistent efforts despite setbacks teach children the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of staying determined and persistent when they encounter difficulties in their activities or learning.
Example Lesson: Joy of Accomplishment
Explanation: Upon successfully fixing the car, the characters express joy and pride. This demonstrates the emotional reward of seeing a task through to completion.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to appreciate and celebrate their achievements, big or small, boosting their self-confidence and motivation.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: The characters share the renovated car with their community, illustrating the joy of sharing one's talents and results with others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to share their own successes and possessions with friends and family, fostering a sense of community and kindness.