When I Get Where I'm Going
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Maddie and Hunter love spending time with their grandmother, MiMi, but one day MiMi shares that she will go on a trip and won't be able to return. MiMi assures her grandchildren that they will all meet again, but how will this be possible? This resource aims to help caregivers address children's questions and emotions associated with the passing of a loved one. This powerful story, encompassing a Christian perspective, provides comfort and reassurance while instilling a sense of faith, love, and resilience in each reader.
Age
0-18
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character feel when they reached their destination, and have you ever felt the same way?
What do you think were the biggest challenges the character faced, and how did they overcome them?
If you were in the main character's shoes, what would you have done differently on the journey?
What does 'home' mean to you, and how does it relate to the places the character traveled to?
Why is it important to have goals and dreams like the character in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their own experiences that relate to the character’s journey, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the character’s decisions and their outcomes.
Discuss the themes of perseverance and resilience shown in the book to help your child understand the value of persisting toward a goal.
Highlight the significance of the character’s emotions throughout their journey to help your child develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
Use the book’s illustrations to discuss visual storytelling and ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios within the same settings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: The book follows the protagonist as they navigate through various obstacles to reach their desired goal, embodying persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by persisting with difficult tasks at school or in personal projects, understanding that overcoming challenges is part of achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination
Explanation: The character's journey is peppered with imaginative scenarios that play a crucial role in their progress, showcasing creativity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination as a tool for problem-solving and entertainment in their daily play and learning.
Example Lesson: Value of self-belief
Explanation: As the character faces various trials, their self-belief is pivotal in their success, highlighting the power of confidence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to trust in their capabilities and be confident in their actions, whether in academics, sports, or social interactions.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The protagonist's setbacks are portrayed as learning opportunities, emphasizing growth from errors.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to view mistakes as part of the learning process, encouraging a growth mindset in both school and life.