Prickly and Poisonous
#3 of 9 in Strange And Wonderful Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
A sequel to Creepy Crawlies, Prickly and Poisonous is a close up look at the world of the sea urchin, porcupine, cobra and other prickly and poisonous creatures for children aged 7 and up. From prickly porcupines to grasping Venus fly traps to the sticky-tongued echidnas of Australia and the spine-chilling diamond-back rattlesnake, Prickly and Poisonous is packed with facts about nature's weird and wonderful defenses. Full color.
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to be a prickly or poisonous animal? Why do you think they have these features?
Which animal in the book did you find most interesting and why?
How do animals use their prickly or poisonous traits to protect themselves?
Can you think of any other animals that use unique features to stay safe?
If you could have a protective trait like one of the animals, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the traits of the animals to personal experiences of safety and protection to make the conversation more relatable.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the reasons behind animals' adaptations.
Discuss the importance of respecting all creatures, highlighting how these defensive traits help maintain balance in nature.
Utilize expressive reading to emphasize the unique characteristics of each animal, making the story more engaging and informative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Awareness of natural dangers
Explanation: Prickly and Poisonous educates children on various dangerous plants and animals, teaching how to identify them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be cautious and observant in nature, promoting safety during outdoor activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for all creatures
Explanation: The book highlights why some creatures are prickly or poisonous, showing that these features are for self-protection.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to respect animals' boundaries and understand their survival mechanisms.
Example Lesson: Importance of biodiversity
Explanation: By showcasing a variety of species, the book imparts the importance of every organism in an ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children will learn to value environmental conservation and understand the role each species plays in maintaining ecological balance.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The book encourages questions about why certain plants and animals developed these defense mechanisms, sparking curiosity.
Real-World Application: It promotes lifelong learning and scientific inquiry, encouraging children to explore and ask questions about the natural world.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: Children are invited to think about how and why certain plants and animals use their defenses, enhancing problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children approach problems thoughtfully in their everyday life, analyzing situations to make informed decisions.