If I Built a Car
If I Built ... Series
What’s inside...
This book is about a young inventor's dream car, which includes everything from a pool to a snack dispenser. It features creative and fun storytelling with rhymed text, making it enjoyable for kids. The book also has energetic rhyme and action-packed artwork to match the imaginative story. Jack has designed the ultimate fantasy car inspired by zeppelins and trains, Cadillacs and old planes, with brilliant colors and lots of shiny chrome. This far-out vision is ready to cruise with a fireplace, a pool, and even a snack bar! After a tour of the ritzy interior, Robert the robot starts up the motor, and Jack and his dad set off on the wildest test drive ever.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jack
Dad
Discussion points
What kind of car would you design if you had the chance, and what unique features would it have?
How do you think having a car like the one in the book would change our daily lives?
Why do you think the character in the book wanted to build such a special car?
What materials do you think you would use to build your dream car and why?
If you could take a ride in the car from the book, where would you go and what adventures would you have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to draw their dream car after reading the book.
Discuss the importance of creativity and innovation, relating it to the car designed in the book and asking how these elements can solve everyday problems.
Make connections to real life by discussing the technology in cars today and how it has evolved over time.
Create a fun activity by using household items to build a model of the car they imagined during the discussion.
After reading, ask your child to explain their favorite part of the car in the book, encouraging them to think about the details and their functionalities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The protagonist of the story, a young boy, designs an imaginative and futuristic car that incorporates fantastic features and innovative ideas.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and apply their imagination to solve problems or create new things in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The young boy's journey in designing the car demonstrates persistence, as he continues to improve and refine his ideas.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of continuing to work towards their goals, even when facing challenges or setbacks.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The car designed by the boy features environmentally friendly elements, like being powered by renewable energy.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of considering environmental impact in daily choices and innovations.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights collaboration, as the boy shares his ideas and gets feedback from others to enhance his car design.
Real-World Application: Promotes the significance of working with others to achieve better outcomes and learn from different perspectives.
Example Lesson: Dream Big
Explanation: The scale and ambition of the boy's car design inspire awe and encourage dreaming big.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to set high aspirations for themselves in any endeavor and to dream without limitations.