Lots: The Diversity of Life on Earth
#2 in Our Natural World Series
What’s inside...
Lots: The Diversity of Life on Earth is a non-fiction book that explores the vast diversity of life on Earth, from the tiniest microorganisms to the largest mammals. The book is written by Nicola Davies, a zoologist and author, and illustrated by Emily Sutton, a renowned artist. The book is designed to educate children about the different species that inhabit our planet and the importance of conservation and preservation. It won the Margaret Mallett Picture Book Award as part of the English 4-11 Picture Book Awards. From the award-winning team behind Tiny: The Invisible World of Microbes comes Lots, a beautifully illustrated introduction to the concept of biodiversity for younger readers. There are living things everywhere: the more we look, the more we find. There are creatures on the tops of the tallest jungle trees, at the bottom of the coldest oceans, even under the feathers of birds and in boiling volcanic pools. So how many different kinds are there? One, two, three ... lots! With beautiful words from Nicola Davies and exquisite illustrations by Emily Sutton, this groundbreaking book is certain to enchant and inspire children.
Discussion points
What was your favorite animal featured in the book and why?
How do you think all the different forms of life work together on Earth?
Why is it important to take care of all living things?
Can you think of ways we can help protect the diversity of life?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, show genuine curiosity about your child’s thoughts and feelings to encourage deeper thinking.
Relate the book’s theme to your child’s daily experiences, such as visiting a park or a zoo, to make the concepts more relatable.
Ask follow-up questions that prompt your child to explain their thoughts more, which can lead to more meaningful conversations.
Link the conversation to actions by discussing simple everyday ways your family can contribute to protecting biodiversity, such as recycling or conserving water.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Biodiversity Importance
Explanation: The book showcases the vast variety of life forms on our planet and emphasizes how each creature, big and small, has a role in our ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and take care of their natural surroundings, understanding that every organism contributes to the environment's balance.
Example Lesson: Interconnectedness of Nature
Explanation: Through detailed illustrations, 'Lots' demonstrates how different species are connected and depend on each other for survival.
Real-World Application: Kids can observe the nature around them, identifying dependencies like bees pollinating flowers, which can foster a greater respect for sustaining natural habitats.
Example Lesson: Conservation Awareness
Explanation: The book discusses the impact of human behavior on wildlife and habitats, highlighting the necessity of conservation efforts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to engage in or advocate for local conservation activities such as recycling, planting trees, or cleaning up parks.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Nicola Davies encourages exploration and curiosity about the natural world by presenting facts in an engaging way.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore more, ask questions, and conduct simple experiments to learn more about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The narrative fosters a respect for nature and all its inhabitants, showing the beauty and fragility of Earth’s diverse ecosystems.
Real-World Application: This can lead to more environmentally friendly choices in everyday life, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and understanding the impact of their actions on the environment.