Party Animals!
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
It's the hoopoe's birthday today, and all the animals have come together to prepare a great feast. Gathering for the fun is the gorilla, the cow, the bear, the camel, the crocodile, the giraffe, the boa, the rhino, the albatross, the kangaroo, the tapir, the panda, the tortoise, the wolf, the penguin and more. Together, they form a funny pyramid-shaped Noah's Ark. This spectacular, almost two-metre-long frieze encourages children to guess on each page the hidden animals on the floor below. Filled with fantastic and funny details, Party Animals! will provide hours of entertainment!
Discussion points
What was your favorite animal at the party and why?
How do you think the elephant felt when everyone surprised him?
Which part of the party would you like to help organize and what would you do?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone celebrate a special day? What did you do?
If you could add one more activity to the party, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their responses to encourage open communication. Nodding and maintaining eye contact can make them feel heard.
Relate the story to their personal experiences. This can help them connect more deeply with the book's themes and characters.
Ask follow-up questions based on their responses to dig deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Use the book’s illustrations to spark conversation, pointing out details they might have missed, and asking what they think about them.
Encourage creative thinking by asking them to imagine different endings or additional characters for the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of cooperation
Explanation: In 'Party Animals!', various characters come together to set up a surprise party. The story showcases how each animal contributes in different ways to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work collaboratively with their peers in school projects or during playtime, understanding that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The book features a wide range of animal characters, each with unique characteristics and talents. This diversity is celebrated as all animals are welcomed and appreciated at the party.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and respect individual differences among their friends and classmates, promoting an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Value of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, the animals show kindness to one another, especially in their efforts to keep the party a surprise and make everyone feel special.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being kind and considerate in their daily interactions, which can strengthen friendships and build a positive community.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: When challenges arise during the party preparations, the animal characters need to think quickly and creatively to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn that problems can be opportunities for creative thinking and that with perseverance, they can find solutions to challenges they face.
Example Lesson: Joy of surprise and celebration
Explanation: The story culminates in a joyful surprise party, highlighting how celebration can bring happiness and a sense of community.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to participate in planning surprises for others, understanding the happiness that giving and celebrating can bring to both themselves and others.