Amazing Islands: 100+ Places That Will Boggle Your Mind
#2 in Our Wonderful World Series
What’s inside...
Intrepid explorers aged 7–11 are invited on a breathtaking tour of over 100 islands from around the world in 'Amazing Islands'. Discover the wildlife, history, diversity, people, cultures, and treasures of the planet's most magical islands through beautiful illustrations. The book covers islands taken over by animals, disappearing islands, islands made of shells, artificial islands, and former prison colonies. It includes a world map plotting all islands in the book, fold out flaps with engaging lists of island facts, and highlights the top 10 biggest and smallest inhabited islands. Join author Sabrina Weiss and illustrator Kerry Hyndman in this fact-filled celebration of some of the most amazing islands on Earth!
Discussion points
What was the most surprising island you learned about, and what made it so unique?
If you could visit any island mentioned in the book, which one would it be and why?
How do islands form, and why do you think each island has its own ecosystem?
Can you think of ways people living on islands might experience life differently than those on the mainland?
What role do islands play in our global environment according to what you read?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your favorite island or an interesting fact from the book to spark curiosity.
Encourage your child to describe the islands using their own words, promoting verbal expression and detail recall.
Connect the topics from the book to your child’s personal experiences, such as a beach visit, to make the discussion relatable.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to deepen the conversation and enhance critical thinking.
Create a fun quiz about the islands to make the learning interactive and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book explores over 100 islands from around the globe, sharing diverse cultural practices and traditions. Each island's unique background is presented in an engaging way.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect different cultures and viewpoints, which enhances social harmony and global understanding in their day-to-day interactions.
Example Lesson: Environmental Conservation
Explanation: ‘Amazing Islands’ highlights the ecological aspects of each island, including flora and fauna, bringing awareness to the importance of environmental preservation.
Real-World Application: It instills a sense of responsibility in children to care for their environment, encouraging practices like recycling and conserving water, applicable in their homes and schools.
Example Lesson: Geographical Knowledge
Explanation: Each island's location, climate, and physical features are meticulously detailed, providing young readers with a solid geographical understanding.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children better understand the world map, boosts their spatial thinking, and can be utilized in subjects such as geography and science.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The book’s exploration theme fuels curiosity about the world, motivating children to learn more about places they have never been.
Real-World Application: This encourages a lifelong love of learning, pushing children to explore additional educational content and engage in conversations about global topics.
Example Lesson: Conservation of Wildlife
Explanation: Several islands in the book are homes to unique wildlife, emphasizing the need for wildlife conservation and biological diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of protecting wildlife, leading to activities such as joining conservation projects, wildlife clubs, or simply spreading awareness.