Miles Ahead

This week read aloud was Miles Ahead by Minh Lê and illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao.

What makes a gift truly special?

This heartwarming story follows an Asian family preparing for a road trip to meet a new baby cousin. Just as they are about to leave, they realise the gift has been forgotten at home. What begins as a frantic search soon turns into something much deeper. As the family looks through the house, memories from the child’s younger years begin to surface, reminding everyone that the most meaningful gifts are often tied to love, memories, and shared experiences rather than expensive gadgets or perfect presents.

I really appreciated how this story captures the small but familiar moments many families experience. Different cultures, different homes, yet so many shared emotions and connections. Minh Lê beautifully balances humour, warmth, and reflection throughout the story.

The speech bubbles and dialogue also make this an engaging read aloud for children, inviting them into the conversations and helping them connect with the characters. My class kids especially enjoyed the twist at the end and began discussing what gifts hold meaning in their own families.