Mammalabilia
What’s inside...
In Douglas Florian's latest menagerie of twenty-one original poems and paintings, readers will be laughing out loud at the sheer silliness of his animal observations. With mammals ranging from the howling coyote and the wood-chopping beaver to the daring ibex and the speedy tiger, here is a zooful of furry fun like no other! The fifth book in a celebrated animal poetry collection series from a Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award winner, the book features twenty-one poems and paintings that blend humor with scientific information. It serves as a companion to the immensely popular insectlopedia, a Publishers Weekly children's bestseller that delighted Daniel Pinkwater's audience on National Public Radio.
Discussion points
Which mammal in the book did you find most interesting, and why?
How do you think the rhymes in the book help us remember facts about the mammals?
If you could be any mammal from the book for a day, which one would you choose and what would your day look like?
What unique qualities do mammals have compared to other animals?
Can you think of a new rhyme for your favorite mammal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking follow-up questions to their responses.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss the characteristics of each mammal.
Relate the mammals in the book to real-life situations or experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Create a playful and relaxed environment to make the reading and discussion enjoyable and stress-free.
Praise your child’s responses and creativity to boost their confidence in expressing their ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciating biodiversity
Explanation: Through playful poems about different mammals, the book showcases the diversity of the animal kingdom.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the variety of animals in their environment, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: The use of poetry to describe animals encourages children to explore language creatively.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to express themselves through writing or art, enhancing their creative communication skills.
Example Lesson: Observational skills
Explanation: Each poem invites readers to notice unique traits and behaviors of mammals, enhancing detail-oriented thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these observational skills in real life, fostering curiosity and attention to detail in everyday observations.
Example Lesson: Joy of learning
Explanation: The playful and engaging format of the book makes learning about mammals fun and exciting for children.
Real-World Application: This can encourage a lifelong love of learning, prompting children to seek knowledge actively and enthusiastically.
Example Lesson: Understanding ecosystems
Explanation: As children read about different mammals, they gain insights into how various species interact within their ecosystems.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children understand the importance of ecological balance and can lead to environmentally conscious behavior.