¡Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge
#3 of 7 in Little Lobo Series
What’s inside...
Little Lobo and Bernabé are back in this story about coming together and celebrating community. People are always crossing the bridge for work, to visit family, or for play. Some going this way; others going that way. Back and forth they go. With friends on foot and in bicycles, in cars and trucks, the bridge is an incredibly busy place with many different types of vehicles. Little Lobo and his dog Bernabé have a new truck and they are using it to carry party supplies over the bridge with their pals El Toro and La Oink Oink. The line is long and everyone on the bridge is stuck. How will they pass the time? Eventually, everyone comes together for an epic party on the bridge between two different countries. Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go gets a Mexican-American makeover in this joyful story about coming together.
Discussion points
What do you think Little Lobo and his friends were feeling as they crossed the bridge to the other side?
Why is it important to learn about and appreciate different cultures?
How do the colorful illustrations enhance the story? Which one is your favorite and why?
What differences and similarities can you find between your community and the one Little Lobo visited?
How do you think helping others can make a difference in a community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize the book's vibrant illustrations to spark interest. Point out the details and colors used to represent the different cultures.
Encourage empathy by discussing Little Lobo’s actions and motivations. Ask your child how they would feel in similar situations.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by comparing events and settings in the book with those in your child's life.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child to think of ways they can help or learn about different cultures in their own community.
Reinforce the themes of the book by participating in cultural activities or exploring new cuisines together, enhancing the connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in '¡Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge' work together to navigate the bustling world across the bridge, showcasing the power of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, whether it’s during group projects at school or in sports teams.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: As characters interact with various vendors and townsfolk, the story highlights the vibrancy and diversity of community cultures.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and respect different cultures in their own communities and schools, enriching their social awareness and empathy.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters encounter and solve different challenges, teaching critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these problem-solving strategies in real life, from resolving conflicts with peers to overcoming obstacles in their learning paths.
Example Lesson: Adventurous Spirit
Explanation: The book's journey theme encourages exploration and curiosity about new experiences.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to try new activities, ask questions, and engage actively in their own learning adventures.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The characters show determination and resilience in facing the unknown elements of the bridge and the city.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and bouncing back from setbacks, whether in academic or personal endeavors.