Mapping Sam
By Joyce Hesselberth
The Story
A house cat slips out once her family is asleep, wandering farther and farther through her neighborhood at night — and every step of her journey turns into a different kind of map.
Why It's Special
For the kid who loves poring over maps, floor plans, and anything with a legend, this is a bedtime story and a map book at once.
- Big idea: Maps aren't just streets and subways — they're a way of showing what we know, what we imagine, and how we find our way back home.
- Vibes: Quiet, nocturnal, and curious, with a hush that suits the last read of the day.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy maps, floor plans, and diagrams
- like to trace a path with their finger on the page
- are working on understanding different points of view
- respond well to a calm, wandering nighttime story
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & noticing: What are some of the different kinds of maps Sam's journey turns into?
- Imagination: If you mapped your own room or block, what would you put on it?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever used a map to find your way somewhere?
- Feelings & empathy: Why do you think Sam waits until her family is asleep before she heads out?
- Story & problem-solving: How does Sam know she's found her favorite place, and how does she find her way back home?
