Traffic Jam
Plays to read Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
When Babs the cat decides to take her kitten home to keep her out of trouble, she creates a traffic jam at the corner where Officer Grumm stops the traffic to let them cross. Babs and her kitten are crossing the road and all traffic comes to a halt! Fire trucks can't get through, the school bus, much to the delight of its passengers, is stopped dead, commuters are late for their trains, groceries are spoiling, and everyone is fuming. All the people stuck in cars, trucks, buses, and on motorcycles have something to say about the long delay. Unfold the special pages and see just how big and tiresome a traffic jam can be. Fold the pages back and the cars, trucks, and buses are on their way again. This clever book is filled with bright colors, silly characters, and cute, curious kittens and delightful details to pour over again and again. Kids will be happy to sit still for this traffic jam!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each vehicle in the traffic jam might be feeling?
If you were in the traffic jam, what creative ways could you think of to pass the time?
How do you think the story would change if one of the drivers decided to take a different route?
Why is it important for the vehicles to find a way to get along during the traffic jam?
What can we learn from how the different characters react to the situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different vehicles to make the reading session interactive and fun.
Point out the colorful illustrations and ask your child to describe what they see or how the colors make them feel.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book.
Relate the story to real-life situations by discussing a time your family was stuck in traffic and how everyone reacted.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and encourage them to ask their own questions about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'Traffic Jam,' various characters encounter and navigate through a chaotic traffic situation, demonstrating problem-solving by finding creative ways to get through the jam.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in real life by thinking creatively to overcome obstacles they face at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters exhibit patience as they deal with the frustration of being stuck, teaching children the value of remaining calm under challenging circumstances.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to manage their emotions and stay patient during delays or while waiting their turn in group activities or family outings.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The characters in 'Traffic Jam' work together to clear the traffic, highlighting the importance of teamwork and helping each other.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cooperate with peers during group projects or team sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The traffic scenario in the book subtly points to the impact of too many vehicles in a small space, promoting awareness about transportation choices and their environmental effects.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to make eco-friendly choices like walking, biking, or using public transport, thus contributing to reducing traffic and pollution.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the story progresses, characters adapt to their situation, exploring alternative routes and solutions, underscoring the importance of being flexible and adaptable.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of adapting to changing circumstances, whether it’s a change in routine, moving to a new school, or dealing with unexpected situations at home or in their community.