The Not-So-Faraway Adventure
What’s inside...
Theo's Poppa was an explorer with a trunk full of mementos from his travels. For Poppa's birthday, Theo plans a special trip to the local beach to create new memories together. They plot their course, take the streetcar, and enjoy a day of exploring the beach and eating gazpacho. Theo learns that adventures can happen close to home, and the day's mementos are added to Poppa's trunk, enriching their family bond. The story highlights the magic of everyday adventures and the importance of family relationships, with vibrant illustrations enhancing the tale.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Thea felt about planning her adventure with her grandfather?
What are some ways Thea and her grandfather showed they cared for each other during their adventure?
Why is it important to have adventures, and what did Thea learn from hers?
How do you think the adventure changed the way Thea thinks about her neighborhood?
If you could go on an adventure like Thea, where would you go and who would you take with you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences by asking if they've ever had an adventure and how it made them feel.
Highlight the intergenerational relationship in the book to spark a conversation about your child’s relationships with older family members or friends.
Ask your child to imagine and describe their perfect adventure, helping them to connect creatively with the story.
Discuss the feelings and lessons learned by Thea to deepen the child’s understanding of character development and emotional intelligence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of intergenerational relationships
Explanation: The story showcases a close bond between a young girl and her grandfather, emphasizing mutual respect and affection.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and spend quality time with older family members, enhancing family ties and learning from their experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of adventure and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist and her grandfather embark on a city adventure, showing that exploration can lead to wonderful discoveries and learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and explore their own environments, whether it's a park, a museum, or even their backyard, to foster a sense of discovery.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The planning of the adventure involves the use of imagination, demonstrating how creativity can turn ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to use their imagination in daily activities, turning routine tasks into creative adventures.