Y – Are We There Yet?

Y is for Yet as in – Are we there yet? Is there any traveler who hasn’t asked that question or had to answer that question? It is a popular book topic with many sharing clever suggestions on how to make the journey more enjoyable. But, for those trips being taken through the pages of a book, the trip is not long enough.

One year, when my four children were all in elementary school, I suggested that we take a semester to travel and have school on the road. None of them thought much of that idea. Perhaps if they had read this book they would have been more interested.

Are We There Yet? A Journey Around Australia
by Alison Lester (author and illustrator)
Kane Miller  – picture book for grades k-3

I love every book that Alison Lester has written and illustrated but I think this is my favorite for a number of reasons. First, Australia is one of my favorite countries/continents on the planet. Second, this book was based on an actual trip the author took with her family. Third,there are maps! Finally, I almost felt like I was a passenger with this darling family who end their trip watching the fireworks over Sydney Harbor (which I had the privilege of doing a few years ago.)

 

 

 

Are We There Yet, Daddy?
by Virginia Walters (author) and S.D. Schindler (illustrator)
Puffin Books -picture book ages 3-8

This book works on many levels. It’s a hundred miles to Grandma’s house and the son asks, “Are we there yet, Daddy?” Wise Daddy turns this into a math/map lesson as the son navigates and counts backward by tens to see how many miles are left. The maps on each are a major focus in this book which make it a great resource for parents and teachers to use when teaching map reading skills.

 

Finally, because you begins with Y, I’d like to share a favorite book that I read to all my young friends.

You Will Be My Friend!
by Peter Brown (author and illustrator)
Little Brown books – picture book for ages 3-8

Today is going to be a great day for Lucy. She will make a friend. Unfortunately, things don’t go quite the way she plans as her attempts do not endear her to others. A bit of patience and persistence, however, helps her to find just the right friend. Besides being a great book on friendship for young children, this book has a spread that is a perfect first introduction to map reading as Thomas demonstrates.

 

And, for your daily smile, here’s Book Baby dressed as Lucy Bear-

 

Only one more day of the A to Z April Blog Challenge! Thanks for following along.