Rattletrap Car
By Phyllis Root
The Story
On a scorching day, Junie and Jake, Poppa, and the baby set off for the lake in a rattling, wheezing car that doesn't go fast and doesn't go far.
Why It's Special
For the kid who turns every car ride into a chorus of sound effects, this one hands them a whole vocabulary of squeaks, rattles, and fizzy nonsense words to shout along with.
- Big idea: Getting there is its own kind of fun, especially when the car is falling apart and everyone's making the best of it together.
- Vibes: Bouncy, hot, and full of invented sound-words that beg to be read aloud loudly.
Perfect For Kids Who
- love rhyming and inventive nonsense words
- like to make sound effects and noises along with a story
- enjoy road trip and journey stories
- respond well to a build-up that pays off with a satisfying arrival
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story details: What are some of the funny sounds the rattletrap car makes on the way to the lake?
- Imagination: What do you think razzleberry dazzleberry snazzleberry fizz tastes like?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever gone on a long, hot car ride? What did you bring to keep cool?
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Junie and Jake brought a beach ball, a surfboard, and a paddle-wheel boat along?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think everyone felt once they finally got to the cool lake?
