'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day (Arbordale Collection)
What’s inside...
This delightful adaptation of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, shares zoo keeper and animal preparations for the upcoming 'Zoo Day.' But things aren't going according to plan . . . The llamas won't quit spitting, the giraffes are drooling, and the zebras aren't happy at all with their stripes. Meanwhile, the zoo keepers are scurrying this way and that, cleaning up poop, ringing mealtime bells, and trying to get the animals bathed. Will 'Zoo Day' go off without a hitch? The 'For Creative Minds' educational section includes 'Creative Sparks: imagine you're a zoo keeper,' and 'An Animal Adaptation Matching Activity.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the animals felt about Zoo Day?
Which animal would you like to learn more about, and why?
What are some tasks you imagine zookeepers do every day?
How do you think Zoo Day helps the animals?
If you could create a special day for the animals, what activities would you plan?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deeper connection with the book’s themes, point out the expressions and activities of the animals in the illustrations. Ask your child how they think the animals are feeling in different scenes. You can also relate the story to any visits you've made to a zoo, discussing what you saw and learned there. Encourage your child to imagine being a zookeeper and what kind of care they would want to give to the animals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The zoo animals work together to prepare for Zoo Day, showing how collaboration is essential to accomplish goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together with others to achieve shared objectives, be it in school projects or family chores.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Each animal has a specific task to contribute to Zoo Day’s preparations, teaching children about taking responsibility for their roles.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by taking charge of their own responsibilities, such as tidying their room or completing homework.
Example Lesson: Pride in one's work
Explanation: The animals take pride in successfully readying themselves and their spaces, which mirrors the satisfaction of a job well done.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to feeling proud after putting effort into their tasks or hobbies, understanding that hard work leads to rewarding outcomes.
Example Lesson: Dealing with unexpected challenges
Explanation: The story showcases how the animals adapt to sudden changes in their plans, fostering resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to stay adaptable and positive, even when facing unexpected difficulties in daily life.
Example Lesson: Importance of preparation
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of preparing ahead for an important event, which ensures its success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of preparation, whether for a school test, a sports event, or a family outing, enhancing their planning skills and foresight.