Curious Creatures (Rainbow Morning Music Picture Books)
What’s inside...
Filled with humorous and thought-provoking poems, this collection introduces young readers to some of the world's oddest animals including the earthworm, the echidna, the flying paradise snake of Borneo, and Western Australia's quokka. Buttressed with bright, lively illustrations, each poem is filled with intriguing facts about each animal, including the strangest of all creatures: man. This collaboration between Barry Louis Polisar and illustrator David Clark is a long awaited sequel to Barry’s earlier collections of poems, Peculiar Zoo and Insect Soup. From the echidna with its two-foot-long tongue and the flying paradise snake of Borneo, to common earthworms and houseflies, this collection even includes, the most curious of all creatures, man.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes each creature in this book curious?
How do you think the creatures feel about their unique abilities?
If you could be any creature from the book, which one would you choose and why?
What can we learn from the creatures about being different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for each creature to make the reading more lively and help your child differentiate between them.
Relate the creatures' abilities and traits to those of people or animals your child knows to make the content more relatable.
Ask your child to draw their favorite creature from the book and describe what makes it special to them.
After reading, encourage your child to think of a new creature by combining features from animals they like and discuss how this new creature would interact with others in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of animals, each with unique characteristics, encouraging children to appreciate and celebrate differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate the diverse qualities in their peers and understanding that everyone has something special to contribute.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The characters in the book explore their world with curiosity, which leads to exciting discoveries and learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to ask questions and explore their own environments, enhancing their understanding and learning in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book highlights different creatures in their natural habitats, teaching children about the importance of respecting and preserving nature.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be mindful of their surroundings and engage in activities that protect the environment, such as recycling and conserving water.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: By showing animals in various situations, the book fosters feelings of empathy and compassion towards creatures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with the feelings and conditions of others, promoting a kind and inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The colorful illustrations and poetic narrative stimulate the imagination and encourage creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to express themselves creatively through drawing, storytelling, or other artistic activities.