Becoming a Good Creature
What’s inside...
A New York Times Bestseller, 'How to Be a Good Creature' teaches valuable lessons on friendship, compassion, and being a better creature through encounters with animals. Authored by Sy Montgomery and illustrated by Rebecca Green, this picture book draws from the author's experiences with diverse animals around the world. From patience to forgiveness, animals like gorillas, dogs, octopuses, and tigers showcase the boundless empathy and joy that come from connecting with others. This guide is designed for readers of all ages who aim to improve themselves and share positivity with the world.
Discussion points
What does it mean to be a 'good creature' according to the stories in the book?
How did the different animals help the author learn important life lessons?
Can you think of a time when an animal taught you something valuable?
Which animal story was your favorite and why?
If you could be any creature from the book, which one would you choose and what would you want to learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle and curious tone to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book.
Relate the stories to personal experiences or similar situations that your child might have encountered to make the discussion more relatable.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think deeply about what makes each creature in the stories 'good'.
Ask your child how they can apply the lessons from the book in their daily life, fostering a connection between reading and real-world application.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The book explores how the author learns to understand and care about various creatures around the world, depicting the beauty and struggle of different forms of life.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these values by showing kindness and understanding towards both animals and people in their everyday interactions, learning to appreciate diversity and the feelings of others.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptation
Explanation: Through her interactions with different animals, the author shows how creatures adapt to challenges in their environments, teaching a valuable lesson on resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to adapt to new situations and to not be discouraged by setbacks, promoting a mindset that embraces change and challenges as opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Interconnectedness of life
Explanation: ‘Becoming a Good Creature’ emphasizes the interconnected nature of all living things, and how each creature plays a role in the larger ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to view their actions through a broader ecological lens, understanding how their choices impact the world around them and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Example Lesson: Lifelong learning
Explanation: The author’s journey illustrates that learning isn’t confined to the classroom, but continues throughout life through diverse experiences.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to seek knowledge and personal growth in all experiences, not just in academic settings, cultivating a lifelong passion for learning.