Meet Fiona the Hippo: Level 1 (I Can Read! / A Fiona the Hippo Book)
I Can Read Level 1 Series
What’s inside...
Meet Fiona, the adorable hippo who became an internet sensation around the world. Learn how Fiona came to live at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, and discover her fearless and fun personality. Created by Richard Cowdrey, a New York Times bestselling artist, this book provides an inspirational story of courage and perseverance for beginning readers. As a Level One I Can Read book, it is geared towards children learning to sound out words and sentences, making it perfect for kids who love learning about animals.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Fiona feels when she tries new things?
How do the other animals in the story help Fiona?
Can you think of a time when you were brave like Fiona?
Why is it important to have friends and family support us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey Fiona’s emotions, making the story come alive for your child.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their personal experiences, which can deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and engagement with the story’s themes.
After reading, relate the themes of the story to real-life situations to help your child apply the lessons learned from Fiona.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Fiona the Hippo showcases resilience by overcoming obstacles related to her premature birth.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up in the face of challenges, promoting a growth mindset at an early age.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with her family and other animals, Fiona learns to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and understand different perspectives, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: Fiona's adventures introduce her to new and intriguing aspects of her environment.
Real-World Application: Stimulates a child's desire to explore and learn more about the world around them, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Fiona builds friendships with various animals, depicting how to form and maintain healthy relationships.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of friendship and cooperative play which aids in developing interpersonal skills.
Example Lesson: Joy in Learning
Explanation: Fiona shows excitement in each new thing she discovers, making learning a joyful experience.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to see learning as a fun and enjoyable activity, potentially boosting their engagement in educational settings.