Buffalo Wild!
What’s inside...
An exuberant celebration of the Buffalo's return to the wild. Since Declan was born, his kokum has shared her love of Buffalo through stories and art. But Declan longs to see real Buffalo. Then one magical night, herds of the majestic creatures stampede down from the sky. That's when things really get wild! Azby Whitecalf's playful illustrations add to the joy and reverence in Deidre Havrelock's picture book debut. A reprinting of the Buffalo Treaty and an author's note describe the importance of Buffalo to Indigenous Peoples and efforts to revitalize the species.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the buffalo feel wild?
How do you think the other animals in the story felt about the buffalo's behavior?
If you were one of the animals, what would you have done differently?
What do you think is the main message of the story?
How would you feel if you met a wild buffalo?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine being in the story and ask how they would interact with the wild buffalo.
Discuss the emotions displayed by the buffalo and other characters, helping your child understand different perspectives.
Use expressive reading to make the story more engaging; change your voice for different characters and emphasize exciting parts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of coexisting with wildlife as the characters learn about the buffalo's role in the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and protect natural habitats and the animals within them, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in 'Buffalo Wild!' work together to solve problems, highlighting the value of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to cooperate with others in group settings such as school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage and adventure
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges bravely, embarking on adventures that teach resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to face their own fears and try new activities, understanding that stepping out of their comfort zone is a part of growth.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The story incorporates elements of indigenous culture, showing respect and appreciation for diverse cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of respecting and valuing diverse cultures in their communities, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: The circle of life
Explanation: The story explains the natural life cycles in a simple, understandable way for children.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp concepts of life and death in nature, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.