Calvin Coconut: Rocket Ride
#8 in Calvin Coconut Series
What’s inside...
Calvin's dad is a famous pop singer who is performing on the island, and everyone wants to attend the concert. Calvin's dad gave his mom 10 tickets, leaving Calvin to choose who gets the last one: Shayla, the teacher's pet who has a crush on him, or Tito, the bully. More importantly, Calvin is anxious about seeing his dad for the first time in four years and meeting his new stepmom. He worries whether his dad will still like him.
Character compass
Calvin Coconut
Dad
Mom
Stella
Discussion points
How did Calvin’s actions show his feelings about responsibility and friendship?
What would you have done differently if you were in Calvin's shoes during the rocket ride adventure?
Can you think of a time you helped a friend like Calvin did? How did it make you feel?
Why is it important to consider everyone's safety when having fun?
What did you learn about resolving conflicts from the characters in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Calvin, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of friendship and responsibility, connecting them to the book's events.
Ask your child how the characters might have felt during key moments in the book, promoting emotional intelligence.
Utilize examples from the book to discuss the outcomes of decisions, emphasizing critical thinking.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, fostering a positive reading environment and boosting confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Calvin takes on the task of helping his friend Stella with a difficult challenge, demonstrating the importance of being responsible for tasks and helping others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking ownership of their chores at home or tasks in school, helping them develop a sense of responsibility and reliability.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Calvin and his friends must work together to solve problems, illustrating the value of collaboration and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cooperate with siblings and peers in group projects or team sports, fostering their ability to work effectively in a team.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Calvin faces setbacks in his adventures but continues to strive forward, showing resilience in the face of challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to persist through difficulties in their studies or personal challenges, promoting a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Calvin learns to understand and share the feelings of his friends, especially when they face tough times, underlining the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by recognizing emotions in others and offering comfort or assistance, helping build stronger, compassionate relationships.