A picture book about joining a game
I Can Join the Game
Ava wants to play Moon Hop with Sam and Milo. But when she hears “Not this round,” she wonders whether there is a place for her.
Ms. Rivera listens and offers choices: Ava can ask what Sam meant, watch for a while or find another game. Ava watches the turns, then asks whether she can play when the round is over.
Getting a turn is only the beginning. Ava asks how to play, chooses to start with a step, and speaks up again when a new game idea makes the plan unclear. Sam and Milo agree to finish this round and choose the next game together.
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Read together about joining in
For parents and caregivers, Ava’s story offers a concrete way to talk about asking a question, waiting for a turn and choosing what to do next. You can pause at the first answer Ava hears, or enjoy the story straight through.
A classroom conversation
Teachers can use the changing game to discuss how players explain turns and rules. The story gives Ava a voice in the plan, while the adult offers support without taking over the game.
- What did Ava find out by watching?
- What could Ava choose if she did not want to wait?
When the school-day plan changes
When Plans Change at School follows Milo after a library visit is cancelled. Like Ava, he asks questions to understand what happens next, in a different part of the school day.