Going Places

 



Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds

Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

2014

Age 4-8

Shelf: Picture Book
 

Opening Line: "Rafael had been waiting all year long for the Going Places contest, a chance to build a go-cart, race it....and win."

Favorite Quotes: 

"Rafael, are you thinking what I'm thinking....?"
"To all the great thinkers who have gone above and beyond." (Dedication Page)

Blurb:

It's that time  of year for the Going Places contest.  And Rafael can hardly wait to get his hands on a kit....an identical kit given to every student, that is.   Rafael has a clear vision for this contest:  follow a set of precise instructions(Following directions was his thing),build a go-cart, race it - and win! Sounds like the perfect plan, right? Enter.........Maya!

Will these two classmates be able to put their heads together and cross the finish line?

Within its pages:

The illustrations, compliments of Peter Reynolds, are absolutely delightful (Think of his other bestselling picture books, I'm Here, The Dot, and Ish).  Reynold's illustrations are vivid and colorful, and really capture the characters' emotions and actions.

 

Shelf  it!

Peter Reynolds has teamed up with his identical twin brother, Paul Reynolds to create this jewel of a story.  This charming picture book encourages creativity, ingenuity, and "outside the box" thinking.  The Reynolds' message is apparent here.  Imagination should be valued and appreciated, as well as giving children the gift of time to allow creativity and original ideas to flourish.  One-track bound, we often fail to realize the various possibilities available to us.   Quite often, there can be more than one solution to a problem, especially when we work together as a team. A great resource to teach about creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

 

Even when faced with adversity and scrutiny from others, Rafael and Maya literally rise above all the drama.  A perfect picture book to share with that special graduate(s) in your life.  From the pre-school graduate to one who is college bound.... 'tis the season!  Also, a great read aloud to kick off the school year.  They are all most certainly going places!

 

A fabulous quote by Douglas Pagels that we feel captures the essence and message of this book:

Many of us have road maps we envision for the course we think our lives should take. It's important to get headed in the right direction, but don't get so caught up in the concerns over your destination that you forget to delight in the scenery of each new day. Remember that some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way.--Douglas Pagels