Mama Car
Readers are invited by a little girl to explore the various types of mobility supports her family uses, including her tricycle, her father’s big car, and her mother’s “mama car.” An author’s note at the end of the story describes the wheelchair she uses for mobility also as a source of comfort for her children. She shares that her children have “grown up playing on it, falling off it, beautifying it, singing to it.” This experience is beautifully presented throughout the pages as the family cuddles, takes off on expeditions near and far, and enjoys everyday life together. The mama car has many wonderful characteristics, but the very best thing about it, of course, is that it has Mama.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
When the little girl and her mother prepare for their expedition, they make a list of what they need to bring. Decide on a destination for a real or imaginary expedition with children and work together to brainstorm a list of what is needed for the trip. While planning for an expedition, include conversation about how people move from place to place. If possible, provide pictures to talk about mobility supports, such as wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, scooters, bicycles, canes, etc. How do these mobility aids help with movement and trips from one place to another?
At the end of the story, the author, Lucy Catchpole, includes a note to adults. Adults are encouraged to read this note prior to reading with young children. In it, the author shares her lived experience as a wheelchair user, and how her children’s perspective inspired her to create this book. The author also uses the word “expedition” to describe the adventures their family has together. This may be a new vocabulary word for children. Adults can explain that an expedition is a trip that a person can go on to do something special or learn something new. Can children think of an expedition that they have experienced or would like to have?