Killer Animals: The Wimp’s Guide
#1 in The Wimp’s Guide Series
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
This book is perfect for anyone who has never wrestled a crocodile, dived with great white sharks, or had a tarantula walk on their hand. It's designed for self-proclaimed scaredy cats and those who are frightened of animals. The book contains information about various deadly land predators, underwater killers, and tiny assassins, such as polar bears, lions, tigers, snakes, hippopotamuses, sharks, box jellyfish, crocodiles, mosquitoes, spiders, and scorpions. Published by Franklin Watts EDGE, this title aims to boost reading confidence in children aged 7+ and older readers who struggle with reading. There's nothing wrong with being a wimp. There are times when it makes perfect sense to be terrified. In these books you'll come face to face with scary stuff, find out the horrifying details about it, and, most importantly, learn the best way to get away from it as fast as you possibly can, by harnessing the power of your inner wimp. This title is published by Franklin Watts EDGE, which produces a range of books to get children reading with confidence. We believe this title will be of interest to readers aged 7+ and to older readers who struggle with reading. EDGE - for books kids can't put down.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the animals described in the book to act in certain ways?
How do you feel about the way animals use their abilities to survive?
If you could have a conversation with one of the animals from the book, what would you ask them?
What can we learn from these animals that could help us in our daily lives?
Which animal's story did you find most interesting and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start your discussion by sharing your own favorite animal from the book and why it intrigued you. This will encourage your child to express their preferences and thoughts freely.
Use empathetic listening to affirm your child’s feelings or thoughts about the animals, which will help deepen their engagement with the content.
Encourage your child to imagine what life would be like as one of the animals. This exercise can enhance their understanding and make the reading experience more relatable.
Draw connections between the animals' traits and any situations your child faces, like using cleverness or strength, to help them apply the book's messages in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding animal behavior
Explanation: The book educates about why certain animals might be perceived as dangerous and how they behave in their natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect wildlife and understand the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wild animals during outdoor activities.
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: Through humor and factual information, the book helps children confront and manage their fears of animals considered dangerous.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children tackle other fears in their lives, whether it's trying new activities or dealing with challenging situations at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of conservation
Explanation: The book highlights the roles that even the so-called 'killer' animals play in their ecosystems and why they need to be protected.
Real-World Application: Children can become advocates for wildlife conservation and learn about the impact of human activities on different species and their habitats.
Example Lesson: Critical reading and thinking
Explanation: By debunking myths and presenting facts about 'killer' animals, the book fosters critical reading and encourages questioning of common misconceptions.
Real-World Application: This skill is applicable in academic settings and everyday life, helping children discern factual information from fiction in various sources.