Pablo & Jane and the Hot Air Contraption
on Goodreads (116)
What’s inside...
A strange green glow is coming from the old house up on the hill, and when Pablo and Jane decide to investigate, they make a surprising discovery. They are zapped into the Monster Dimension by the evil cat, Dr. Felinibus, and must find a way home using a broken Hot Air Time Machine. With the help of their friend, Dr. Jules—a nineteenth-century scientist trapped inside the body of a rat—they race through Lopsided London, Terrifying Transylvania, and Horrid Hawaii to find the missing parts of their machine and escape the horrors of the Monster Dimension. José Domingo, a Spanish comic artist known for his work in animation and comics, adds his unique touch to this thrilling adventure.
Age
5-7
Length
57 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Pablo and Jane learned during their adventure?
How did the different characters in the Monster Dimension help or hinder Pablo and Jane?
If you could create your own hot air contraption, what would it look like and where would you go?
What was your favorite part of the book, and why?
How do you think Pablo and Jane felt when they were trying to find their way back home?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate questions to your child’s own experiences to make the conversation more personal and relatable.
Encourage your child to draw their version of a hot air contraption or a new character from the Monster Dimension, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the story continued, helping them think creatively and critically.
Read together with your child and use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading session more interactive and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Pablo and Jane have to collaborate with various characters throughout the story to navigate through the 'Monster Dimension.' Their success in overcoming challenges hinges on mutual assistance and group problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in school projects, sports, or play by understanding the importance of working together and respecting each other’s ideas and contributions.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, Pablo and Jane encounter numerous obstacles that require creative solutions, demonstrating that thinking outside the box often leads to success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach real-world problems with creativity, be it in tasks, conflicts, or new activities, fostering an innovative mindset from a young age.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the numerous challenges and setbacks Pablo and Jane face in the Monster Dimension, they persist in their mission without giving up, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in face of difficulties, be it in their academic, personal, or social lives. It emphasizes that perseverance is key to achieving one's goals.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The characters' journey into the unknown Monster Dimension is driven by their curious nature and desire to explore, which ultimately leads to personal growth and new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them, explore new activities, and actively engage in learning opportunities to gain a broader understanding and develop diverse interests.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Pablo and Jane's journey is not just about returning home, but also about building and relying on friendships they form along the way which help them navigate through challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of cultivating and valuing friendships in a child’s life. It shows that friendships can provide emotional support and practical help in difficult times.