on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Discover the fascinating world of meerkats with this entertaining introduction that answers questions about their group name, habitat, and diet. The book features simple text, stunning photographs, detailed illustrations, and links to carefully selected websites with video clips and more information.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life would be like living in a meerkat family?
Why do you think meerkats always stay so close together?
How do you think the meerkats feel when they're looking out for danger?
What could we learn from meerkats about working as a team?
If you were a meerkat, what role would you like to have in the group?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as part of a meerkat family, fostering empathy and perspective-taking. Discuss the importance of teamwork as depicted in the book, relating it to everyday situations your child might encounter. Use the illustrations in the book to point out emotions and actions of the meerkats, prompting your child to explore their feelings about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Meerkats', children learn how meerkats work together to overcome daily challenges, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in school projects or team sports, learning to collaborate effectively to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The book portrays meerkats sharing tasks like foraging and keeping watch, teaching kids about sharing responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Kids can take on small responsibilities at home, like tidying up toys or helping set the table, understanding their role within the family unit.
Example Lesson: Vigilance and Awareness
Explanation: Meerkats are depicted as always being alert to their surroundings, a behavior that underscores the importance of being observant and cautious.
Real-World Application: This can translate to children being more aware of their environment, whether it's playing safely or noticing when someone needs help.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Community
Explanation: The book emphasizes the meerkat’s reliance on their community for survival, showcasing the strength in unity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being part of a community, respecting others, and contributing positively to their group, whether at home, school, or in their neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Meerkats adjust to various challenges in their habitat, teaching children the power of adaptability in the face of change.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that being flexible and open to change can help them navigate new situations at school or in new environments.