About This Book
In this Caldecott Honor book, brothers Sam and Dave, accompanied by their loyal dog, set out to dig a hole until they find something truly spectacular. Readers will observe, through clever illustrations, that the boys repeatedly miss incredible jewels and discoveries just inches away from their shovels. Their unwavering perseverance eventually leads to an unexpected fall, landing them back in what appears to be their starting point, yet with subtle, whimsical differences that challenge the meaning of "spectacular." This witty and contemplative story is perfect for ages 4-8, sparking discussions about perspective, perseverance, and finding wonder in the overlooked.
Overview: Sam and Dave are on a mission. A mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a rare treasure in this witty story of looking for the extraordinary - and finding it in a manner you'd never expect.
Discussion Prompts
1
What do you think "spectacular" means to Sam and Dave at the beginning of the story? What about at the end?
2
Why do you think Sam and Dave kept missing the jewels? What does that tell us about looking for things?
3
If you were Sam or Dave, what would you have done when you saw the jewels?
4
What clues did the illustrator give us that Sam and Dave ended up somewhere different?
5
What is something spectacular you've found when you weren't even looking for it?
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