Hot Rod Hamster
#1 of 114 in Hot Rod Hamster Series
What’s inside...
A hamster, with the help of a canine junkyard dealer and his mouse assistants, builds a hot rod and drives it in a race against some very large dogs. This interactive read-aloud picture book for the very young, created by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord and NYT bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson, features an extremely lovable and adorable hamster. From Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord and NYT bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson comes an interactive read-aloud picture book for the very young-featuring an extremely lovable and adorable hamster. Old car, new car, shiny painted blue car, rust car, clean car, itty-bitty green car. WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Newbery Honor-author Cynthia Lord and New York Times bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson put the pedal to the metal in this endearing, rhythmic, rip-roaring race to the finish line where a hamster creates a sizzling hot rod with a little help from his new furry friends and YOU!
Character compass
Hot Rod Hamster
Dog
Bulldog
Discussion points
What do you think makes Hot Rod Hamster brave and why?
If you were in the race like Hot Rod Hamster, what kind of car would you build and how?
How do the other characters in the book react to Hot Rod Hamster's ideas and actions? What does that tell us about friendship?
What challenges did Hot Rod Hamster face and how did he overcome them?
Why is it important to believe in yourself, just like Hot Rod Hamster does?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by relating themes of the book to your child’s experiences, such as a time they tried something challenging.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Discuss the different emotions Hot Rod Hamster might have felt during the race, linking them to emotions your child may feel in similar situations.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for Hot Rod Hamster, which promotes creative thinking.
Highlight the moral of the story by discussing the importance of perseverance and self-confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Decision-Making
Explanation: Throughout the story, Hot Rod Hamster makes numerous decisions about his own race car, showing an interactive decision-making process.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of making choices and can apply this skill by making simple decisions about their daily activities and preferences.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Hot Rod Hamster receives help from his friends to build the race car, demonstrating the value of working together to achieve a goal.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperating with others, whether during group projects at school or playing sports.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The protagonist selects unconventional items to construct his vehicle, showcasing creativity and thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use their imagination in problem-solving situations, sparking creativity in both play and educational settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite challenges, the hamster perseveres in building and racing his custom car, emphasizing persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to continue striving towards their goals despite obstacles, applicable in learning new skills or during challenging tasks.
Example Lesson: Joy in the Process
Explanation: Hot Rod Hamster enjoys the process of building the car as much as racing it, teaching kids to find joy in the journey, not just the outcome.
Real-World Application: Promotes an attitude of finding fun in learning and doing, regardless of the results, important for developing a positive outlook towards daily tasks and schoolwork.