Dead or Alive?
#3 in Explorer Tales Series
What’s inside...
In this fascinating book, author Clive Gifford explores the stories of some of the most famous and infamous people in history who have been declared dead, only to reappear alive and well. From pirates and outlaws to royalty and celebrities, 'Dead or Alive?' delves into the intriguing cases of people who have faked their own deaths, been mistakenly declared dead, or have otherwise cheated death. With a lively and engaging writing style, Gifford examines the motives and methods behind these cases, and delves into the psychological and cultural factors that have driven people to pretend to be dead. Along the way, he also explores the impact that these cases have had on society and popular culture. A must-read for anyone fascinated by history, mystery, and the human psyche.
Discussion points
What did you think about the different animals and their survival tricks?
How do you think the ability to play dead helps an animal?
Which animal's survival strategy did you find the most interesting or surprising?
If you could have one of these survival skills, which one would you choose and why?
How do you think these survival techniques help maintain balance in nature?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare the survival strategies of the animals with each other and discuss which ones they think are most effective.
Ask your child to draw their favorite animal from the book and add a creative twist demonstrating its survival skill.
While discussing the book, use additional resources like nature documentaries or online articles for visual examples of animals playing dead to enhance understanding.
Link the discussions to broader ecological concepts, such as food chains and habitats, to deepen the child's environmental awareness.
Encourage empathy by discussing how each animal might feel when using their survival skills in the wild.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of life cycles
Explanation: Through exploring various species and their unique life cycles, 'Dead or Alive?' encourages children to understand the natural progression of life.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to better understand the natural world around them, fostering a sense of curiosity and respect for life at all stages.
Example Lesson: Developing critical thinking skills
Explanation: 'Dead or Alive?' prompts children to think critically and analyze information as they explore the mystery of whether certain odd creatures are alive or not.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to question and evaluate information in everyday situations, improving their decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
Example Lesson: Enhancing observational skills
Explanation: The book presents a visual challenge that requires keen observation to determine if something is living or non-living.
Real-World Application: This can help children to pay closer attention to detail in their environment, which is crucial for their academic and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Understanding diversity in nature
Explanation: By presenting a wide variety of organisms, the book teaches children about the diversity of life forms on Earth.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate and value biodiversity, promoting environmentally responsible behaviors.