Big Papa and the Time Machine

A boy afraid to go to school rides his grandfather's 1952 Ford time machine back through Big Papa's own frightening moments, hearing the same lesson each time: that's called being brave.

For the kid who needs to hear that grown-ups get scared too, this is a grandfather's answer wrapped in a road trip through his own past.

• Big idea: Courage isn't the absence of fear — it's what you call yourself walking through it anyway, and family history is where you learn that word.
• Vibes: Tender, warm, a little magical, rooted in real history

• are working on facing everyday fears like starting school
• love stories that connect grandparents and grandchildren
• respond well to a repeated, comforting phrase or refrain
• are curious about family history and what came before them

• Story & connection: Why do you think Big Papa took his grandson back in time instead of just telling him to be brave?
• Feelings & empathy: How do you think Big Papa felt remembering the times he was scared?
• Real-life connection: What's something that scares you, like school scared the boy at the start?
• Family history: Have you ever asked a grandparent or older relative about a time they were scared?
• Big idea: What do you think Big Papa means when he says 'that's called being brave'?