I Explore the Zoo
#2 in The Explorer Series
What’s inside...
I Explore the Zoo is part of a collectible board book series that introduces toddlers to key first experiences with a non-fiction twist. In this book, toddlers follow a zookeeper, learning about different animals and the tasks involved in a zookeeper's job. The book features detailed labels for additional information, making it an educational resource for preschool children. The series is written by Emma Dods with consultancy by Renee Bumpus from the Houston Zoo, and illustrated by Kate Daubney. Other books in the series include I Explore the Airport, I Explore Digging for Dinosaurs, and I Explore Under the Sea.
Discussion points
What was your favorite animal at the zoo and why do you think it’s interesting?
If you could ask any animal in the book a question, what would you ask and why?
How do you think the zookeepers take care of all the different animals?
What are some ways we can help protect animals in the wild?
Imagine you are creating your own zoo, what kind of habitats would you design for the animals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and voices for different animals to make the reading more dynamic and engaging.
Pause after reading about each animal to ask your child what they know about that animal or any experiences they’ve had with that animal.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite zoo animal after reading to help them connect visually with the story.
Relate the information in the book to a possible zoo visit, discussing what animals they might see and what they would like to learn about each one.
Ask your child to imagine what animals might say to each other, enhancing their empathy and creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Animals
Explanation: Throughout 'I Explore the Zoo', the narrative focuses on the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. This is demonstrated as the protagonist learns about different zoo animals and their needs.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being gentle and considerate towards animals they encounter, whether at home, in nature, or at a zoo.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Adaptation
Explanation: The book introduces children to various animals from different habitats, showcasing how each species has adapted uniquely to their environments.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and appreciate the diversity in the natural world, fostering a sense of curiosity and respect towards different ecosystems and cultures.
Example Lesson: Importance of Conservation
Explanation: The story covers themes like habitat protection and the roles zoos play in conservation efforts.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think about how they can contribute to environmental conservation efforts, such as recycling, conserving water, or participating in local clean-up events.
Example Lesson: Learning through Exploration
Explanation: As the title suggests, the book emphasizes exploring new environments and experiencing learning through discovery, guided by the questions and interactions the child protagonist has during the zoo visit.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inquisitive and explore the world around them, whether on school trips, family outings, or even through books and documentaries.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: By seeing the world from the perspective of different animals, children learn empathy and the importance of understanding others’ lives and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering other people’s feelings and viewpoints in their daily interactions, which can help in building stronger relationships and community bonds.