The Two Cars (New York Review Childrens Collection)
#1 of 10 in The New York Review children's collection Series
on Goodreads (88)
What’s inside...
In The Two Cars, Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire present a playful twist on the classic fable of the tortoise and the hare through the story of two cars in the same garage. One is fast and shiny, the other old but reliable. On a magical night, they race to prove who is the best, encountering various obstacles and learning that being the 'best' is not straightforward.
Discussion points
What do you think made the two cars different from each other?
How do you feel about the way the cars treated each other?
What would you have done if you were one of the cars in the story?
Why is it important to work together, like the cars did in the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for each of the cars to make the story more vivid and engaging for the child.
Pause after key events in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next.
Link the story to real-life situations, asking your child about times they had to cooperate with others and how it made them feel.
Emphasize the moral of the story, and relate it to everyday life to reinforce the values of teamwork and cooperation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases two cars participating in a race and demonstrates how they face various challenges. Instead of competing ruthlessly, they help each other overcome obstacles, teaching the value of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in school or play activities by helping their peers rather than focusing solely on winning or being the best.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: As the cars encounter different challenges throughout their journey, they must come up with creative solutions to move forward. This encourages children to think critically and innovate.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these problem-solving skills during group projects or difficult tasks, learning to think creatively to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The two cars face numerous setbacks in their race, yet continue to persevere and push towards their goal. This highlights the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects, even when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: The story exhibits how the cars maintain a friendly demeanor towards one another despite being in a competition. It promotes good sportsmanship and respect.
Real-World Application: Children learn to remain respectful and kind to others in competitive situations, be it in sports or academic competitions.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment in the journey
Explanation: While the race is the central activity, the cars enjoy the journey, exploring and experiencing the world around them, emphasizing that the journey is as important as the goal.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages kids to enjoy learning and partaking in activities without focusing solely on the outcome, fostering a love for exploration and discovery.