Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet
on Goodreads (1,185)
What’s inside...
This book uses the alphabet to introduce children to 26 endangered animals, one for each letter. Each page features a letter, an animal, and information about the animal's status and habitat. The book encourages children to learn about and protect these animals. Feast your eyes on these amazing creatures before they disappear. This stampede of wild animals, from Chinese Alligator to Grevy's Zebra, are so rare, they're all endangered. David McLiman's bold and playful illustrations transform each letter into a work of art, graphically rendered with animal characteristics. Scales, horns, even insect wings transform the alphabet into animated life. Once you take this eye-opening safari, you'll never look at letters or animals the same way again. A striking work of art and a zoological adventure, Gone Wild is sure to be loved by children and adults alike.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important to protect endangered animals?
How do the different animals in the book adapt to their environments?
What are some ways we can help endangered animals in our own community?
Can you think of a new animal not in the book that is endangered, and why do they need protection?
How did the alphabetic approach to the animals make you feel about each creature?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own views on wildlife conservation to set a meaningful tone. Encourage your child to express their feelings about each animal by relating them to characters from other books or movies they know. Praise their responses to foster positive reinforcement. Utilize the illustrations in the book to delve deeper into discussions about each animal’s unique features and habitats. Lastly, consider researching together more information on one of the endangered animals highlighted to extend learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of biodiversity
Explanation: Through the unique representation of each letter of the alphabet as an endangered animal, children grasp the diversity and importance of each species within our ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by being mindful of their environment, participating in local conservation activities, and spreading awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards animals
Explanation: By learning about the specific traits and habitats of various endangered animals, children develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges these animals face.
Real-World Application: This empathy can translate into everyday actions such as treating pets with kindness, learning more about wildlife, and supporting animal-friendly practices.
Example Lesson: The impact of human activity on nature
Explanation: The book illustrates how human activities contribute to the endangerment of species, subtly teaching children about the consequences of human actions on natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling, conserving water, and participating in clean-up drives, to minimize their impact on the environment.
Example Lesson: The role of conservation efforts
Explanation: By showcasing endangered animals, the book highlights the critical role of conservation efforts in protecting these species from extinction.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of supporting zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and global conservation organizations either through visits, donations, or simply by learning and speaking about their importance.