Hippopotamuses
Big buddy books. African animals Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Introduces readers to the life, diet, habitat, behavior, and physical description of hippopotamuses. Colorful spreads, fun facts, diagrams, a range map, and a special reading feature make this an exciting read for animal lovers and report writers alike. Bold colors, easy-to-read text, and oversized, striking photos introduce young readers to the hippopotamus! Readers will discover the hippo's unique body features that allow it to spend its days underwater. Also covered are the hippo's diet, social behavior, habitat, ways of communication, and threats to its survival. In addition, readers will learn about the life of a baby hippo, from calf to independence. Maps highlight hippo territory, fun facts appear throughout, and the book closes with a full page of kid-friendly hippo facts. This title will leave readers with a deeper appreciation of the continent of Africa and the incredible hippopotamus! Features include a table of contents, fun facts, maps, a glossary with phonetic spellings, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.Big Buddy Books is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most interesting fact about hippopotamuses that you learned from this book?
How do you think hippopotamuses feel when they are in the water compared to on land?
If you were a hippopotamus for a day, what would you do?
Why do you think it's important for us to learn about different animals like the hippopotamus?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in the answers your child provides, encouraging them to think deeply about the book's content.
Relate the book’s themes to your child’s experiences by comparing the behaviors and environments of the hippopotamus to more familiar animals.
Use the illustrations in the book to spark more detailed discussions about the physical characteristics and habitats of the hippopotamus.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the life of hippopotamuses, highlighting their behaviors and challenges in their natural habitat.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put themselves in others’ shoes, understanding that every creature has its own needs and struggles, fostering a sense of empathy.
Example Lesson: Importance of Conservation
Explanation: ‘Hippopotamuses’ educates young readers about the habitats of these large mammals and the importance of environmental conservation to protect such species.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to engage in activities that support the environment, realizing the impact of their actions on the world around them.
Example Lesson: Learning through Curiosity
Explanation: The book provides factual information about hippopotamuses in an engaging way, sparking curiosity in young minds.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to ask questions and seek out information, developing a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Respect for Wildlife
Explanation: Through vivid storytelling, the book teaches children about the necessity of respecting wild animals and maintaining a safe distance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the boundaries and respect needed when encountering animals in the wild or in controlled environments like zoos.