Cub's Big World
What’s inside...
Cub knows all about the familiar world in the snow den where she was born. When she follows Mom out of their den, tumbling into the Arctic wilderness, she finds that the world under the wide blue sky is big, big, BIG! It's easy to be curious when there's so much to explore—and when Mom is nearby. But when she thinks she's all alone, can Cub be brave? With spare, lyrical words and paintings that are both dramatic and intimate, Cub's Big World tells a tender story of new experiences, homecoming, and the love between a parent and child.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Cub felt when he explored the world for the first time?
What new things do you think Cub discovered in the Big World?
Why is it important for Cub to listen to his mother?
What would you like to explore if you were Cub?
How did Cub feel when he reunited with his mother?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about exploring new environments, drawing parallels to Cub’s experiences.
Ask your child to describe what they would do in a big, new world, fostering their imagination and creativity.
Discuss the importance of listening to parents or guardians when exploring new places, reinforcing safety and guidance.
Use the illustrations in the book to engage your child in identifying different objects and characters that Cub encounters.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their 'Big World' inspired by Cub's adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Cub's journey outside the den into the big world demonstrates the natural curiosity and eagerness to explore that is inherent in all children.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their environment and seek knowledge, enhancing cognitive development and satisfying their curiosity.
Example Lesson: Courage and Independence
Explanation: As Cub ventures out without his mother for the first time, he shows bravery and a growing independence.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to be brave when trying new activities or facing new challenges, fostering self-reliance and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Mother-Child Bond
Explanation: Despite the excitement of exploration, Cub's constant thoughts of his mother and eventual reunion with her underscores the deep bond between mother and child.
Real-World Application: Reinforces the importance of family connections and the comfort and security that these relationships provide to children.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Cub faces various challenges in the big world but finds ways to overcome them, illustrating basic problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think critically and solve problems they encounter, which is a crucial skill in both academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Cub's interaction with the natural world around him highlights the importance of respecting and preserving our environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate nature and promotes environmental awareness from a young age.