Buffalo Music
on Goodreads (220)
What’s inside...
Inspired by pioneer Mary Ann Goodnight, Fern and Castillo offer the story of how one woman helped to save the buffalo in the late 1800s. Once, a long, long ago, buffalo roamed the West, filling the plains and canyons with the music of their thundering hooves and huffing breath.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Molly to bring the buffalo back to the plains?
How did the buffalo change the landscape and lives of the people around them?
Why is it important to care for and protect animals like the buffalo?
What feelings did you experience when Molly faced challenges in her mission?
How do you think the story would have changed if Molly had given up?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they know about buffalo and their importance in American history to create a base for discussion.
Encourage your child to relate to Molly by asking how they would feel in her shoes, and what they would do differently.
Discuss the value of perseverance and resilience shown by Molly when things got tough, and relate it to personal experiences.
Highlight the ecological impact of the buffalo, discussing the interdependence between animals and humans in nurturing the environment.
After reading, encourage your child to think about modern efforts in wildlife conservation and how they can contribute, making the story relevant to today's world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and determination
Explanation: The protagonist, Molly, strives tirelessly to bring buffaloes back to the Great Plains despite numerous challenges, demonstrating strong determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether it’s learning a new skill or completing a challenging task at school.
Example Lesson: Environmental conservation
Explanation: Molly's quest to restore the buffalo population highlights the importance of taking care of natural habitats and the creatures that live within them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their environment and promotes activities such as recycling, energy conservation, and wildlife protection.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Molly shows empathy by understanding the plight of the buffaloes and taking action to help them.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the value of empathy by caring for animals, understanding people’s feelings, and helping those in need.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The story is set against the historical backdrop of the near extinction of the buffalo in America, educating children about this part of American history.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and show interest in history and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of time and place in their learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Molly faces and overcomes different challenges in her mission, showcasing her problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and creatively when faced with problems, be it in their academic subjects or personal life.