Penguins Swim But Don't Get Wet: And Other Amazing Facts about Polar Animals (Speedy Facts)
Speedy facts Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Introduces the birds and mammals of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, with behavioral and statistical facts boxed and highlighted alongside the illustrations. Fast, fun facts, light, informative text, and colorful images bring polar animals to life for kids ages 7-10. Antarctica and the Arctic are the coldest places on earth. But believe it or not, life thrives on both ends of our planet. In the polar lands, you'll find whales as tall as two-story buildings, bears that can swim 62 miles an hour without stopping, and seals that can blow big red balloons on the tops of their heads. Penguins Swim But Don't Get Wet is your ticket to the ends of the earth! Melvin and Gilda Berger are the authors of the bestselling and critically acclaimed Scholastic Q&A series, among many other books for children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think penguins stay dry even after swimming in icy water?
What are some differences between polar animals and the animals we see more commonly?
Why do you think polar animals have developed such unique adaptations?
Can you think of any other animals that have special abilities to survive in their environments?
What would you like to learn more about regarding the creatures living in polar regions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare the adaptations of polar animals with animals they are familiar with.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeply about the survival strategies of various animals.
Utilize the book's illustrations to better explain complex facts and help your child visualize polar environments.
Relate the reading to relevant, everyday experiences like swimming or seeing animals at a zoo to make the discussion more relatable.
Praise your child's responses to boost their confidence and enhance their interest in learning more about science and nature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and wildlife
Explanation: The book provides fascinating facts about polar animals, emphasizing their unique adaptations and roles in the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of biodiversity and may become more conscious about preserving natural habitats and practicing eco-friendly behaviors.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Through engaging facts and figures about polar animals, the book encourages children to explore and ask questions about the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage more in science and research activities at school or in everyday life, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Understanding and valuing diversity
Explanation: The book covers a wide range of animals, highlighting how each species has adapted differently to survive in harsh polar climates.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding of diversity and adaptability to appreciate different cultures, abilities, and perspectives among people in their own lives.