100 Animals on Parade!
on Goodreads (97)
What’s inside...
With 100 bears, 100 pigs, 100 carpenter beetles, 100 rabbits and 100 birds, there's never been a parade quite like this one! Exuberant animals wind their way up, down and all around the pages of this counting picture book, carrying odd things, wearing strange hats or making goofy comments. Children will love the busy illustrations by Masayuki Sebe, which use lots of clean white space and brightly colored animals to keep the focus on the lively action. The text offers encouragement ("More and more bears! Count them: 32, 33, 34, 35 ...."), as well as suggestions for searches to involve children more deeply in the artwork ("Where is the bear so strong he can carry a piano?"). Also vying for readers' attention are a variety of callouts and side stories scattered across the pages, such as counting markers to help children stay on track, other tiny details to try and spot, and hilarious small dramas between animals in the parade. The story ends at the Animal Festival, where a chaotic sea of all the parading animals fills the pages with joyful mayhem. For the truly energetic, there are two bonus search activities at the end. This is a book that offers great fun along with challenging opportunities for counting practice. With so many searches spread throughout the pages, it also helps promote visual literacy in pre-readers and early readers. It's a natural fit for the 100th-day-of-school celebrations in the early primary grades.
Why read this book
- Vibrant illustrations captivate and stimulate early visual development.
- Engages children in counting and identifying various animals.
- Supports language development through repetitive and rhythmic phrasing.
- Encourages interactive reading sessions between parents and children.
Discussion points
Which animal in the parade did you find the most interesting and why?
If you could be any animal in the book for a day, which one would you choose and what would you do?
How do you think the animals feel about being in the parade?
Can you invent a new animal to add to the parade? What would it look like and what special things could it do?
Why do you think the author chose to include so many different animals in the parade?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different animals to make the reading experience more lively and engaging.
After reading the book, propose a drawing session where your child can create their own parade with animals they most enjoyed.
Encourage your child to think about the story from the perspective of the animals by asking them how they might feel in a busy parade.
Link the story to real-life experiences by discussing any parades you and your child have seen together, focusing on what kinds of creatures or features made those events special.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to come up with stories about what adventures the parade animals might go on after the book ends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Counting and Numeracy Skills
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of animals in a parade, inviting children to count them as they progress through the pages.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these counting skills in everyday life, whether tallying up toys, steps, or snacks, fostering a practical understanding of numbers.
Example Lesson: Animal Recognition
Explanation: With 100 different animals featured, children can learn to identify various species and their characteristics.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps in environmental awareness and appreciation when visiting zoos, parks, or even watching documentaries.
Example Lesson: Colors and Descriptions
Explanation: The vivid illustrations provide children the opportunity to learn and describe colors and distinct features of animals.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids in enhancing vocabulary and expressive skills, useful in academic settings and everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Following Directions
Explanation: The book asks children to find specific animals on each page, which can help them develop their ability to follow directions and pay attention to detail.
Real-World Application: These skills are beneficial in educational environments, during games, or in following real-life instructions from parents or teachers.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: 100 Animals on Parade! shows a wide range of animals living harmoniously, symbolizing the celebration of diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate diversity in their communities and learn the importance of inclusivity and tolerance.