Above and Below: Dusk till Dawn: Lift the flaps to see nature's wonders unfold
#1 of 3 in Above and Below Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Discover nature at night in this beautiful split-page book. Travel from the woods at dusk to the lofty Himalayan Mountains, and learn all about the natural world which thrives after the sun goes down. This gently informative book is filled to the brim with fascinating facts about the animals and plants that come alive at night. Split pages allow readers to explore each landscape in a uniquely immersive way, seeing which night-time wildlife can be found out in the open and which stays hidden within its shadowy habitat. Vibrant and breathtaking illustrations by Nic Jones and enriching text by Harriet Evans make this the perfect gift for young nature lovers. The topic of nature at night is both unusual and enthralling, and the soft colours of the illustration make this the perfect bedtime read. Other titles in this series include Above and Below and Above Sea and Shore.
Discussion points
What do you think happens in the forest when the sun goes down?
Can you describe how the animals in the book change their behavior from day to night?
Why do you think some animals are only active at night?
What differences did you notice between the underwater world during the day and at night?
How do you feel about the way nature looks and acts from dusk till dawn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the sights and sounds of nature by asking them to close their eyes and visualize the scenarios described in the book. Utilize the lift-the-flap feature to create an interactive experience, prompting anticipation and surprise as they discover what's hidden beneath. Relate the day and night behaviors of animals to their own daily routines to make the content more relatable. After reading, consider watching a documentary or exploring nature to see these concepts in real life, reinforcing what they've learned from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding nature's cycles
Explanation: The book uses the transformation from dusk till dawn to teach children about the daily cycles in nature, showing different animals and plants and how they behave at various times.
Real-World Application: Children will start to observe and appreciate the natural cycle of day and night, enhancing their awareness and curiosity about the environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of biodiversity
Explanation: By lifting flaps to discover animals and plants, children learn about the variety of living organisms that thrive in different environments.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate the diversity in nature and can foster a sense of responsibility to protect these natural habitats.
Example Lesson: Scientific observation skills
Explanation: The interactive lift-the-flap feature encourages children to explore and observe closely, mimicking scientific investigation methods.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to pay attention to details and develop critical thinking skills which are essential not only in science but in daily problem-solving situations.
Example Lesson: Day and night behavior of animals
Explanation: Children discover nocturnal and diurnal animals, understanding how different animals have adapted to their specific time for activities.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children comprehend adaptability and can translate to understanding and respecting others' routines and habits in social settings.
Example Lesson: Learning through exploration
Explanation: The interactive format of the book makes learning a hands-on, engaging experience, emphasizing that discovery is a path to knowledge.
Real-World Application: This approach encourages children to be inquisitive and explorative in other aspects of learning, building lifelong enthusiastic learners.