What’s inside...
The 'Animal Antics' series is designed to motivate older readers who are reluctant or struggling by encouraging them to engage with books. The 'Know It Alls' series aims to provide young readers with a foundational scientific understanding of our planet through exciting visuals and engaging texts. It includes interesting facts about various animals, such as the eating habits of mountain gorillas and the grooming behaviors of chimpanzees, aiming to educate children in a fun way. The series is vividly illustrated and die-cut, providing a first scientific look at our planet, and includes other titles about different animals and insects.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes apes different from other animals you know?
How do apes communicate with each other in the story and what can we learn from them?
Can you imagine what a day in the life of an ape might be like? What would they do from morning till night?
Why do you think it's important to protect apes and their habitats?
If you could ask an ape any question, what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Listen attentively to understand their perspective.
Discuss the importance of empathy by asking how they would feel if they were in the ape's situation.
Relate the story to real-world issues such as habitat conservation and animal rights to deepen their understanding of the book's themes.
Use pictures and illustrations in the book to help explain complex ideas or unfamiliar concepts.
After the discussion, encourage your child to draw or write a short story about what they think an ape's life is like.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book 'Apes' by Carol Harrison highlights the diverse habitats and behaviors of different apes, fostering a sense of respect and wonder for wildlife.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and participating in nature conservation activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through observing the social interactions and emotional expressions of apes in the story, children learn to recognize and empathize with feelings, both in animals and humans.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and respond to the emotions of their peers and family members, promoting harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: As the story unravels interesting facts about apes, it encourages children to explore and ask questions, enhancing their knowledge and interest in science.
Real-World Application: Children can channel this curiosity into their academic subjects or explore additional educational materials related to animals and nature.
Example Lesson: Conservation Awareness
Explanation: The book discusses the threats faced by apes such as habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade, which imparts the importance of wildlife conservation.
Real-World Application: Children can become advocates for endangered species and learn about ways to support conservation efforts through school projects or awareness campaigns.
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: By introducing children to different species of apes and their unique traits, the book teaches them to appreciate and celebrate diversity in all forms of life.
Real-World Application: This understanding can be extended to recognizing and respecting diversity among people, leading to more inclusive behaviors.