CHARACTER COUNTS: Going Places

Going Places
By Peter H. Reynolds and Paul A. Reynolds
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Antheneum Books For Young Readers, 2014. Picture Book.

Each person in Rafael's class is given a go-cart kit with building instructions. Rafael can't wait! He immediately goes home and builds the go-cart exactly as the instructions say. He finds his classmate and neighbor, Maya, observing and drawing a bird. He asks why she isn't starting to build her go-cart. When she does start she builds a pair of wings. Rafael questions her, but Maya says, "Who said it HAD to be a go-cart?" Rafael asks if they can join forces, because the instructions never say you couldn't team up.

The Reynolds brothers have created an inspirational story of thinking outside the box. Maya helps Rafael to spread his wings of thought and creativity. Together they push the boundaries of their imaginations. It is easy to find parallels in life where we tend to follow exact instructions. This story will give the reader permission to follow their heart.

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