Gator on the Loose! (Animal Rescue Team)
#1 of 2 in The Animal Rescue Agency Series
What’s inside...
Meet the Carters, a family who runs Carters' Urban Rescue, specializing in animal rescues. In their first adventure, they encounter a baby alligator at the city pool, disrupting opening day and Keisha's cannonball practice. With ingenuity from Keisha, the family finds a solution closer than they imagined. Sue Stauffacher's 'Animal Rescue Team' series features compelling plots based on real events, a lovable cast of characters, and explores themes of friendship, family, and environmental conservation, all written in an engaging style for young independent readers.
Discussion points
What do you think you would do if you found an alligator like the one in the story?
Why is it important to call professionals when we encounter wild animals?
How do the characters in the book work together to rescue the alligator?
What did you learn about alligators and their habitats from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express themselves by asking them to imagine themselves in the situations from the book.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as shown in the book and ask your child about times they had to work with others to achieve a goal.
After reading, take a moment to research more about alligators and their natural habitats to expand your child’s learning.
Compliment your child's responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Gator on the Loose!', children learn about the responsibilities involved in caring for animals when the Animal Rescue Team works to safely capture a loose alligator.
Real-World Application: This lesson can foster a child's understanding of their duty to care for pets and wildlife, encouraging responsible behavior both at home and in nature.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book showcases how the characters must collaborate effectively to rescue the alligator, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively with siblings and peers in school projects or team sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the team faces and overcomes various challenges demonstrating problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles in their daily lives, whether in academic settings or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy for Animals
Explanation: The story fosters a sense of empathy and care for animals as the team takes steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the alligator despite the potential dangers.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of compassion towards animals, encouraging them to be considerate and kind to animals they encounter.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book teaches respect for nature through the narrative of rescuing and returning the alligator to its natural habitat.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to respect natural environments and to understand the significance of preserving wildlife habitats.