Mama Built a Little Nest
on Goodreads (1,109)
What’s inside...
This beautifully illustrated picture book showcases the variety of nests built by birds. Each page features a different bird and its unique nest, with a rhyme describing the bird's home-building process. The book also includes factual information about each bird and its nesting habits.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think each bird builds a different type of nest?
How do the materials used for the nests help protect the baby birds?
What did you find most interesting about the different nests described in the book?
If you were a bird, what type of nest would you build and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by pointing out the different birds and nests in the illustrations to spark your child’s interest. As you continue to read, ask them to guess why a particular bird might have chosen those materials or that nest shape before the reason is revealed in the book. After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite bird and nest from the story, reinforcing what they've learned through creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding diversity
Explanation: The book showcases various bird species and their unique ways of building nests, demonstrating diversity in nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among people in their community, understanding that everyone has their own unique traits and skills.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Each bird species solves the problem of nest-building in a way that suits its environment, using available resources creatively.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by using creativity and critical thinking to solve problems at school or home, making the best out of the resources they have.
Example Lesson: Importance of shelter
Explanation: The book highlights how different birds build nests to provide safety and comfort for their eggs and chicks.
Real-World Application: This can teach children about the importance of a safe and comfortable home, encouraging them to appreciate their living environment and understand basic needs in life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care
Explanation: Birds carefully construct and maintain their nests, showing dedication and care for the welfare of their future offspring.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about responsibility by taking care of their own spaces and belongings, and understand the effort put into caring for others.