Amazing Poisonous Animals (Eyewitness Junior)
#8 in DK Eyewitness Juniors Series
What’s inside...
Text and photographs introduce poisonous animals such as the fire salamander, death puffer, gila monster, and sea anemone. A fully illustrated work for beginning readers teaches youngsters all about poisonous animals--Gila monsters and other poisonous lizards, poisonous fish, snakes, and creatures of the sea.
Discussion points
What do you think makes an animal poisonous and why do you think they need to be poisonous?
Can you name some of the animals in the book? What did you find most surprising about them?
How do you think scientists learn about poisonous animals?
Why is it important for us to know about these animals, even if we never see them in real life?
If you could talk to one of the poisonous animals from the book, which one would it be and what would you ask it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know or think about poisonous animals to gauge their prior knowledge and stimulate curiosity.
While reading, pause on pages with interesting facts or images and ask your child to describe what they see or predict what might happen next.
Relate the poisonous animals to familiar animals that your child knows to help them draw connections and deepen understanding.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite poisonous animal from the book, discussing the unique features that make it interesting.
Use the book as a springboard to discuss safety and the importance of not touching unfamiliar animals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book presents various poisonous animals in a detailed and respectful manner, emphasizing their importance in the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and protect wildlife, understanding the significance of every creature in maintaining ecological balance.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: As children learn about the defense mechanisms of these animals, they also grasp the cause and effect of actions in the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to think about the outcomes of their actions, promoting responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: The importance of knowledge
Explanation: By reading about how different animals use their poison for survival, children see the power of knowledge and adaptation.
Real-World Application: This encourages them to seek knowledge and adapt it to their own lives, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The variety of animals discussed in the book teaches about the diversity in nature.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diversity not only in animals but also in human cultures and societies.
Example Lesson: Scientific curiosity
Explanation: The factual and intriguing presentation of poisonous animals sparks curiosity about biology and the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can lead to a lifelong interest in science and exploration, fostering a healthy sense of wonder and inquiry.