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What’s inside...

As Stella explores the biggest ranch in the state, she faces her growing fear and learns valuable life lessons about communication and overcoming anxiety. Her emotional growth is depicted through her enjoyment of buggy rides around the ranch. The story combines literary devices such as imagery, metaphors, similes, and symbolism to enhance comprehension. An accompanying study guide offers vocabulary and literary elements, helping educators and readers delve deeper into the text. The primary aim is to expose children to ranch life and secondary is assisting educators with comprehension skills needed for true understanding.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

0-13

Length

32 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What was your favorite part of the buggy ride in the book, and why?
How do you think the characters felt during their adventure?
What are some other adventures you would like to go on?
What did you learn about the different animals mentioned in the story?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and what would they do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life—change your voice for different characters and emphasize exciting parts of the ride.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their ideal buggy ride or an additional scene for the book.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child what they think will happen next, fostering their predictive and analytical skills.
Relate the book’s themes or scenes to your child’s own experiences, like a time they tried something new or saw an interesting animal.
Discuss the moral or lesson of the story, if any, to enhance your child’s comprehension and reflection on the narrative.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The book 'I Love Buggy Rides' follows the adventures of a child exploring the outdoors on a buggy ride, highlighting the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to observe and appreciate their natural surroundings, promoting outdoor activities and environmental awareness.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist displays an eager curiosity about different elements encountered during the buggy ride, asking questions and seeking to learn more.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be curious about the world around them, fostering a love for learning and exploration in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Building Family Bonds
Explanation: The story showcases the shared experience of a family enjoying a buggy ride together, emphasizing the joy of shared family activities.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages families to spend quality time together, engaging in activities that build stronger emotional connections among family members.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: The protagonist initially feels hesitant about riding the buggy but gradually finds joy and excitement in the experience, learning to overcome initial fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by facing and overcoming their own fears, whether trying new activities or facing everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Respect for Animals
Explanation: The buggy ride in the story is powered by an animal, typically a horse, and the child learns to treat the animal with kindness and respect.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of treating animals with care and respect, fostering empathy and responsible behavior towards animals.

I Love Buggy Rides by Randi Whitney