Baboons
Pebble plus. Series
What’s inside...
This is a children's book about Baboons. Many children see them at the Zoo, but how many have seen them in their natural habitat! Most South African children have encountered baboons. This little book will give you a little information about them and what to be aware of if you do encounter them in the wild.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life is like for a baboon in the wild?
How do baboons interact with each other in their groups?
What are some ways baboons are similar to humans in their behavior?
Why do you think baboons need to stay in groups?
What can we learn from baboons about being part of a community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine curiosity when asking questions, allowing your child to elaborate on their thoughts.
Link the discussion to personal experiences by comparing family or community dynamics to those of baboons.
Encourage critical thinking by asking follow-up questions based on your child’s responses.
Create a supportive environment where all answers are valued to make the conversation enjoyable and educational.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Baboons', the baboon characters often work together to solve problems and overcome challenges in their environment, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or helping out with tasks at home, learning the value of working with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story highlights the baboons’ interaction with their natural habitat, teaching children to appreciate and take care of the environment.
Real-World Application: Kids can engage in recycling, conserving water, or planting trees, understanding their role in protecting and preserving nature.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Margaret Ann Dahl portrays the baboons adapting to various situations, whether it's finding food or shelter, which underscores the importance of being flexible and resilient.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to remain positive and find solutions during changes or challenges in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes at home.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The young baboons are depicted as curious, always exploring and asking questions, which fosters a love for learning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inquisitive about the world around them, ask questions, and actively seek knowledge, whether in academic subjects or new hobbies.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, baboons face various obstacles which they must think critically to resolve, illustrating effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's life by encouraging them to think critically about solutions to problems they face, be it in their puzzles, school projects, or interpersonal conflicts.