What's Up in the Attic? (A Little Golden Book)
Five Little Pumpkins on Sesame Street Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (105)
What’s inside...
In 'What's Up in the Attic?' by Robert Munsch, readers are taken on a whimsical adventure with a child who discovers a mysterious attic in their home, filled with fantastical creatures and objects that come to life. Meanwhile, Ernie and Bert, stuck inside on a rainy day, explore their attic and find family mementos including Great-Aunt Ernestine's trunk and Uncle Bart's paperclip collection. Both stories highlight the joy of discovery and adventure in unexpected places.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think you might find in an attic and why?
How do the characters in the book feel when they explore the attic? Can you relate to their feelings?
What was the most surprising thing the characters found in the attic? What would surprise you?
How do the items in the attic help tell a story about the people who own them?
If you could add one item to the attic in the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think an attic is and what they might expect to find there to activate their imagination.
While reading, allow your child to pause and reflect on the illustrations, encouraging them to describe the scene in their own words.
After discovering what's in the attic, relate it to your child’s experiences by discussing any similar discoveries they've made in unfamiliar or less visited places.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them what item they would store in an attic and why, linking it to their personal experiences or desires.
Reinforce the theme of discovery by organizing a mini 'exploration' at home, perhaps in a closet or a storage area, to make the reading experience more tangible and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The story illustrates children's natural curiosity as they explore the attic, discovering old toys and forgotten treasures.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore their surroundings to learn and grow.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creative Play
Explanation: As the children in the story play with various items found in the attic, they use their imaginations to create stories and games.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to use their creativity to invent their own games and stories, boosting cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Respect for History and Family Heritage
Explanation: The children in the book learn about their family history through objects in the attic, showing how past generations connected and lived.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of preserving and valuing family history and encourages discussions about family heritage.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: The siblings in the story must share the space and the found items, leading to cooperative play and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Promotes the development of social skills and teamwork as children engage in shared activities with peers and siblings.
Example Lesson: Joy of Discovery
Explanation: The book captures the excitement and joy of discovering new things, as experienced by the children in the attic.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain curious and enthusiastic about learning, whether in school, at home, or in new environments.