Jackalope
What’s inside...
A hilarious and imaginative retelling of the origin of the jackalope, complete with a fairy godrabbit and a cranky coyote. Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel bring to life this American legend with sassy storytelling and outrageous art, revealing the true story behind the mythical creature's horns and the trouble they brought. The tale explains how the jackalope, originally a plain old hare, acquired its distinctive horns thanks to a fairy godrabbit and a cranky coyote, turning it into an icon of American folklore.
Age
4-7
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jack Rabbit
Fairy Godrabbit
Coyote
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Jackalope unique compared to other animals in the story?
How did the Jackalope feel when it met new friends? Can you relate to those feelings?
What lesson did you learn from the Jackalope's adventures?
If you could ask the Jackalope one question, what would it be?
Imagine creating your own magical creature. What special traits would it have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their opinions to foster a deeper understanding.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe different scenes and how they think the characters are feeling.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by discussing times when they met someone new or explored a new place.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their version of a Jackalope or another imaginative creature they liked from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'undefined,' the character Jackalope collaborates with others to solve problems, emphasizing the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or during play, learning that teamwork often leads to success.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Jackalope faces many challenges but never gives up. His persistent efforts ultimately lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that facing challenges head-on, and not giving up, is crucial in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Jackalope encounters various characters who are different from him, teaching readers to appreciate and respect diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace differences in their classmates and peers, fostering a more inclusive environment wherever they are.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The story encourages creative solutions to problems, showing the benefits of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination in problem-solving situations, enhancing their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: Jackalope's adventures begin from his curiosity about the world around him, promoting a love of learning.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to ask questions and explore their surroundings can foster a lifelong love of learning and discovery.