Animal Antics: A to Z
on Goodreads (41)
What’s inside...
As all the animals of the animal kingdom, from A to Z, are presented on stage, a group of very talented acrobats do their act on the high wire above the crowd where they twist and contort into each letter during the grand performance for the excited crowd below. Little ones will practice the alphabet, learn animal names, and can try out clever acrobatic moves by themselves or with a friend in this inventive and amusing picture book created by beloved Caldecott Honor–winning Anita Lobel. From adoring alligators to zany zebras, the animals in this book are sure to keep young readers amused with their antics. And look at the acrobats! The remarkable group of energetic contortionists stretch and stand and reach to form all twenty-six letters of the alphabet with their bodies. The merry performers will encourage kids to get up and move around after reading!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which animal in the book did you like the best and why?
How do you think the zebra felt when he got his stripes?
Can you think of a story where our pet had an adventure like one of the animals in the book?
What do you think would happen if the animals came to our house for a day?
If you could be any animal from the book for a day, which one would you be and what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different animals to make the reading more interactive.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book.
Connect the story to real-life experiences, like visiting a zoo, to deepen the connection with the book's themes.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next before turning the page to keep them engaged.
Create fun quizzes about the animals in the book to reinforce memory and learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Alphabet Knowledge
Explanation: Through engaging illustrations and alliteration of animal names and actions from A to Z, children learn the alphabet.
Real-World Application: This foundational skill helps children in learning to read, enhancing their ability to recognize letters and understand their order.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Diversity
Explanation: The depiction of various animals with unique characteristics teaches children to appreciate the diversity in the animal kingdom and by extension, among people.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in social settings, learning to embrace differences among peers.
Example Lesson: Cause and Effect
Explanation: Each animal's actions lead to a humorous outcome, illustrating the concept of cause and effect.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the consequences of their actions in everyday life and encourage better decision-making.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The playful scenarios invite children to imagine unusual situations, like an alligator admiring artwork, fostering creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in creative play and storytelling, exploring their own imaginative ideas in play and interactions.
Example Lesson: Vocabulary Development
Explanation: With rich language and a variety of descriptive words, the book enhances children's vocabulary.
Real-World Application: This improvement in vocabulary supports better communication skills, aiding them in expressing themselves clearly.