I Wonder Why Fish Grew Legs: and Other Questions About Prehistoric Life
I Wonder Why Series
on Goodreads (28)
What’s inside...
In 'I Wonder Why Fish Grew Legs: and Other Questions About Prehistoric Life,' Jackie Gaff explores intriguing questions about the evolution of life on Earth, designed to engage young readers. Covering fundamental questions about prehistoric creatures and species development, the book discusses topics such as the transition from water to land, leg development in fish, and other evolutionary milestones. It provides explanations and illustrations to highlight concepts like natural selection, adaptation, and environmental influences on life's history, encouraging an appreciation for the complexity and wonder of the natural world. Additionally, it answers questions like 'What were the ice ages?', 'When did reptiles appear?', and 'Where did birds come from?', enriching children's understanding of the beginnings of life on Earth.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for creatures before they had legs?
Why do you think fish eventually grew legs?
Can you imagine how the world changed when animals started walking on land?
What if fish had never grown legs, how would that affect our world today?
How do you think scientists learn about prehistoric life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child’s curiosity by asking them what they know about prehistoric life before reading and see how their understanding evolves.
Relate the content of the book to current animal life, drawing parallels that can help children make connections.
Use the illustrations in the book to spark imagination, asking your child to describe what they see and how it makes them feel.
Discuss the importance of scientific discoveries and how they help us understand our world’s history.
After reading, encourage your child to ask their own 'I wonder why' questions about nature and the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book explores various prehistoric life questions that encourage children to ponder and inquire more about the natural world.
Real-World Application: Fosters a lifelong love for science and exploration, encouraging children to ask questions and seek answers in their daily experiences.
Example Lesson: Understanding Evolution
Explanation: Through questions about why fish grew legs and other evolutionary transformations, children gain insights into the concept of evolution in an engaging way.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate the diversity of life and understand the biological changes over time, promoting respect for all creatures.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book's question-answer format helps children practice their critical thinking skills as they evaluate information and form their own understandings.
Real-World Application: Equips children with the ability to analyze information, a skill crucial for academic success and everyday problem-solving.