Pistes d'exploration

Sprout is nervous about travelling with his grandmother. Identify the words and illustrations that attest to this fact.

Describe what Sprout’s grandmother did to make him feel safe, comfortable and grown up. Discuss the reasons Sprout didn’t want the booster chair.

Have you ever slept away from home? How did you feel? Can you empathize with Sprout? Did you bring a toy or stuffed animal with you? Share your experience with the class.

What did Sprout learn about himself? What advice would you give to someone who is sleeping away from home for the first time?

Read and discuss the feelings identified in this book before a trip or school-related sleepover. 

Identify the key plot elements of the story and sequence them on sentence strips. Mix them up and re-sequence them with a partner.

Write out the plan for a trip you have taken or would like to take. Include who, what, where, when, why and how.

As a class, write the story of a class trip, using the book as a model. Next, try writing your own travel story.

Toot & Puddle

Mots-clés

Picture book , grandmothers , intergenerational relationships , overcoming fears , separation , travel

Commentaire descriptif

Little Sprout is about to go on his first overnight trip with his sister and grandmother. As much as he likes new experiences, the thought of being away from his parents makes him nervous. As the story evolves, Sprout grows more at ease. A stuffed animal comforts him, as does a wise grandmother who regularly suggests, “Shall we phone home to tell them ... ?” He begins to enjoy himself, and what appeared frightening at first becomes less so. Each page has a full paragraph of simple text that often includes dialogue. There are also a few text bubbles that give voice to the characters and show what they are thinking and feeling. The line and watercolour illustrations are bright and colourful. The expressions on Sprout’s face show his initial worry as well as his increasing delight as he discovers that he is having fun. A great story for discussing fears and overcoming them, the book is part of a series by that features little Sprout and his adorable hamster family.