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Storybook Guide Based on Eleanor May’s “Albert is Not Scared”

Explore math while reading and talking about this storybook.

Activity Summary

Use this storybook guide with the book, “Albert is Not Scared.”
Many public libraries have this book.

Reading guide

About the Story

“Albert Is Not Scared” is a book about a mouse’s day at an “amousement” park. Albert seems scared to go on rides that go up and down or left and right. But there is a surprise!

Two mice observe other mice on a ride called daredevil drop. Illustration from “Albert is Not Scared.”

Words to Learn

DIRECTION WORDS
up, down, left, right, across, through, around, toward, backward, forward

OTHER WORDS
shrieked, tilted, gasped, terrified

About the Math

Spatial words describing direction are used in the story. Your child can learn:

  • How to notice the direction in which objects are going.
  • How to describe the direction in which objects are going by using words such as around, toward, up, and down.
Two mice discuss the direction that trains move. Illustration from “Albert is Not Scared.”

Math Talk During Reading

  • PRACTICE USING THE DIRECTION WORDS
    Is the roller coaster going forward or backward? What direction is the pirate ship moving?
  • EXPLORE THE ILLUSTRATIONS
    Can you find the arrow? Which direction is it pointing?
  • IMAGINE HOW THE RIDES AND CHARACTERS ARE MOVING
    Let’s close our eyes and imagine how the ride looks when it goes up. Now imagine how it looks when it goes down.
  • CONNECT THE STORY TO YOUR CHILD’S LIFE
    Have you ever been to an amusement park? Were you afraid of anything?

Try to come up with some of your own questions and comments, too!

Activity After Reading

This book includes suggested activities at the end. Try out some of the activities after reading!

Download this activity