Creature Features: Twenty-Five Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do
on Goodreads (914)
What’s inside...
This book explores the unique physical features of various animals and explains how these traits help them survive in their environments. It highlights the misconception that animals' facial expressions convey human emotions, using the example of the axolotl's gills which are mistaken for feathers but are essential for breathing underwater. The book provides intriguing facts and visuals about the habitats and diets of different animals, offering twenty-five humorous and accurate explanations for their appearances.
Discussion points
What do you think is the most interesting feature of the animals you learned about?
How do you think an animal's appearance helps it survive in its environment?
If you could design a new creature, what features would it have and why?
Can you think of ways that animals are similar to humans, based on what you've read?
Why do you think it's important for us to understand why animals look the way they do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to draw their favorite animal from the book and discuss its unique features together.
While reading, pause to let your child guess why an animal might look a certain way before revealing the actual reason.
Compare the animals in the book with common animals your child sees every day to enhance comprehension of diverse adaptations.
Use a globe or map to locate where each featured animal lives, linking its appearance to its environment.
After reading, ask your child to explain what they learned to another family member, promoting retention and confidence in sharing knowledge.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of biodiversity
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and engaging narratives, the book explains the unique physical features of various animals, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature’s diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and value all kinds of living creatures they encounter, recognizing the importance of biodiversity in our ecosystem.
Example Lesson: Understanding form and function
Explanation: The book educates on why certain animals have specific features, linking form to function which helps children grasp basic biological concepts.
Real-World Application: This understanding encourages curiosity and scientific thinking, prompting children to explore and ask questions about how the bodies of living beings are suited to their environments.
Example Lesson: Empathy and acceptance
Explanation: By showing how different features serve various purposes, the book promotes acceptance of differences among living beings, which is paralleled to human diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing individual differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: Each animal’s explanation invites children to think critically about the reasons behind diverse animal appearances and behaviors.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in analytical thinking in other areas of learning and daily problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Conservation awareness
Explanation: Highlighting the roles of different animal features fosters an understanding of each species’ ecological role, underlining the importance of conservation.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in or advocate for environmental conservation efforts, understanding their impact on preserving wildlife.