I Ate Sunshine For Breakfast
What’s inside...
Enter the incredible world of plants to learn about the green machines of the natural world. Using just the rays of the sun, trees and flowers help create everything from rubber to honey. Find out the powerful science going on in every leaf, petal and stem with vibrant illustrations that will...; Winner of the Garden Media Guild Garden Book of the Year 2020
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most surprising about the way plants help us every day?
Can you think of a plant that has special powers, like medicine or food? How do you think it helps people or animals?
How do plants in the book compare to the plants we see around us? Do any of them serve the same purposes?
If you could create a new plant, what would it do and why?
What are some ways we can help take care of the plants around us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own favorite plant and its importance, encouraging your child to think about plants they like and why.
After reading, take a walk outside and try to identify any plants mentioned in the book, discussing their roles and benefits.
Use the book’s illustrations to spark conversation, asking your child to describe what they see and how it relates to what they've learned.
Encourage your child to draw or craft their version of a 'super plant' that could solve a problem they care about.
Promote critical thinking by comparing the information in the book with what you can observe in your own garden or a nearby park.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of plants in our ecosystem
Explanation: Through captivating illustrations and engaging text, 'I Ate Sunshine For Breakfast' educates children on the critical role plants play in sustaining life on Earth.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and care for plants in their environment, understanding their role in providing the oxygen we breathe and food we eat.
Example Lesson: Diversity in nature
Explanation: The book showcases a wide variety of plants from around the world, highlighting their unique features and adaptations.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value diversity and adaptability, not only in nature but also in their interactions with people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Scientific curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Through interactive elements and experiments included in the book, children are encouraged to explore and experiment with the natural world.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to engage in scientific activities, fostering a love for learning and critical thinking skills that are applicable in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Environmental responsibility
Explanation: The book discusses the impact of human activities on plant life and ecosystems, promoting a message of conservation and respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of environmental stewardship, understanding that their actions can contribute to a healthier planet.
Example Lesson: The interconnectedness of life
Explanation: Illustrating how plants are connected to other elements in the ecosystem, the book teaches children about the interdependence of living organisms.
Real-World Application: This understanding nurtures empathy and responsibility towards other living beings, emphasizing the impact of collective actions on community welfare.