Orangutanka: A Story in Poems
What’s inside...
All the orangutans are ready for a nap in the sleepy depths of the afternoon, except for one little orangutan who wants to dance. This orangutan is eager to perform a hip-hop, cha-cha-cha dance filled with somersaults and cartwheels, but she needs a dance partner. The story is written in bold poems in the tanka style, an ancient Japanese form of poetry often used as a travel diary. Acclaimed poet Margarita Engle's exuberant celebration of this lively orangutan will inspire readers to dance along.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the orangutans in the story feel when they swing from tree to tree? Can you describe their emotions?
Why is the rainforest important to the orangutans and other creatures?
What did you learn about how orangutans communicate with each other?
If you were an orangutan for a day, what would you do?
How can we help protect the orangutans' home from being destroyed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story using their own creative expressions, like drawing or acting out scenes.
Ask your child to compare and contrast the behavior of orangutans with humans, discussing similarities and differences.
While discussing the book, emphasize the importance of rainforests and biodiversity, connecting the story to broader ecological themes.
Facilitate a discussion about empathy by focusing on how the orangutans might feel in different situations within the book.
Share your own thoughts about the book, creating a two-way conversation that respects your child's views and insights.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through vivid poems, the story showcases the emotions and family dynamics of orangutans, encouraging children to understand and empathize with creatures different from themselves.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their daily interactions with both peers and animals, fostering a considerate and compassionate attitude.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The book highlights the natural habitat of orangutans and the importance of preserving it, opening a discussion on conservation and the effects of human activities on wildlife.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of environmental conservation and can participate in activities such as recycling, conservation projects, and educating others about the environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: This story is told through a series of creative poems, which can inspire children to explore different forms of artistic expression and appreciate literature.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express themselves through poetry, art, or storytelling, reinforcing the skills of creativity and communication.
Example Lesson: Understanding cultural diversity
Explanation: Set in a different geographical and cultural context, the book enriches children's understanding of diverse cultures and lifestyles, promoting cultural appreciation.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to learn more about different cultures, engage in cultural exchange activities, and develop respect for various cultural backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: By using the unique format of poetry to unveil the life of orangutans, the book illustrates how storytelling can captivate and inform an audience effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to share their own stories or experiences in creative ways, understanding that their narratives have the power to influence and educate others.