Microraptor
on Goodreads (33)
What’s inside...
Two boys, Finn and Milo, fall behind their classmates on a school trip to the Alps and discover an egg buried in ice, which later hatches into a 65-million-year-old microraptor named Arty. As they attempt to keep Arty safe from wicked scientists who want to capture her, they find themselves on the run, embarking on an action-packed environmental adventure with added dinosaurs. The book is filled with humor, adventure, survival skills, and features illustrations by Euan Cook. It's the first in a thrilling new series, described as Jurassic Park meets Wimpy Kid with a touch of Alex Rider.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to meet a Microraptor? How would you feel?
Why do you think the Microraptor behaved the way it did in the story?
What do you think the forest represents in the story, and how does it affect the characters?
How did the actions of the Microraptor change the course of the story?
If you could ask the Microraptor one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the world of the Microraptor, asking them how they might interact with the creature.
Discuss the Microraptor’s behavior and decisions, linking them to real-life situations of decision making and consequences.
Explore the symbolism of the forest in the story, encouraging the child to think about the setting’s role in their favorite stories.
Prompt your child to think critically about the storyline changes impacted by the Microraptor’s actions and ask how they might have written it differently.
Foster curiosity by encouraging your child to think of questions they would ask the Microraptor, enhancing their engagement with the character and story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Microraptor', the characters must work together to solve puzzles and navigate their prehistoric environment, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group activities at school or during play, learning to value each other’s input and collaborate toward common goals.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: As the Microraptor encounters various challenges, it adapts to its surroundings to thrive. This adaptability highlights the ability to adjust to new situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be flexible and adaptable when facing new situations or challenges in their daily life, enhancing their problem-solving skills and resilience.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist’s curiosity drives it to explore its world, leading to exciting discoveries about its habitat and fellow creatures.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive about the world around them, promoting a lifelong love of learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Importance of Making Informed Decisions
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Microraptor makes choices after considering various factors, which teaches the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically and make informed decisions, considering the consequences of their actions in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Despite facing numerous threats, the Microraptor showcases resilience by overcoming obstacles, demonstrating that perseverance is key to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that facing challenges is a part of life, and persisting through difficulties is crucial for achieving one’s goals.