"Theo's Poppa was an explorer. He had been everywhere. He kept an old trunk packed with the pictures, postcards, maps and menus that he had collected on his adventures." Someday, Theo wants to be an explorer, too. For now, it's Poppa's birthday, and Theo has planned a special trip to the beach with him to celebrate. They plot out their course on a map they've drawn and then take the streetcar to the local beach, where they stroll in the sand, hunt for stones and slurp gazpacho at the beachside restaurant. It's a perfect day, and Theo is so happy to have given Poppa just the right gift. But best of all, Theo has also had her first lesson in being an explorer: you don't have to travel far from home to have an adventure! In this heartwarming picture book, popular author Andrew Larsen has created a rich story that captures the magic of turning an ordinary day into an adventure. The closeness between Theo and Poppa is touching, and offers a terrific opportunity for classroom discussions about family relationships. The emphasis on discovering the world right outside your door is a wonderful springboard for projects in which children can do the same in their own communities. With subtle and imaginative details in the cityscape, the beach and Poppa's home, Irene Luxbacher's fresh and expressive illustrations add depth to the story. The endearing Poppa and Theo also star in The Imaginary Garden, written and illustrated by the same creators.
It's almost Poppa's birthday and young Theo wants to give her beloved grandfather the perfect gift. Poppa has traveled the world and keeps a trunk full of mementos collected on his adventures. That gives Theo an idea for a very special gift: a new adventure! They'll take the streetcar to the local beach, sink their toes in the sand, skip stones and stop for lunch at the beachside café. Together, Poppa and Theo plan their trip and sketch a map of the route they will take. That special map, and the memories and keepsakes of the day, will join the other cherished mementos in Poppa's trunk.At the heart of this story is a charming family bond. Rich storytelling captures the magic of turning a simple outing into an adventure. And spirited illustrations will keep readers engaged, inspiring them to create their own adventures --- and memories.
