Red-y, Set, DNA!
#1 of 1 in The Red Alpaca Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Babu has always thought of himself as an ordinary alpaca—nothing more, nothing less. Stumbling across his reflection in the pond one day, he is startled to realize that he is the one thing he never thought himself to be: different! All because of a molecule invisible to his bare eyes… ‘Red-y, Set, DNA!’ details Babu’s journey to embracing his unique red fleece as he dives deep into the nucleus of a cell, opening up meaningful conversations for children about self-love through the foundations of DNA, the blueprint of life! Babu is red-y, are you?
Discussion points
How do you think learning about DNA helps us understand what makes every person unique?
What are some traits you think you might have inherited from our family?
If you could have a superpower related to your DNA, what would it be and why?
What did you find most interesting about how traits are passed from parents to children?
How do you think understanding DNA can help people take better care of their health?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they already know or think about DNA to gauge their prior knowledge.
While discussing DNA traits, relate them to recognizable family traits to make the connection more tangible for your child.
Encourage your child to ask questions throughout your reading to foster curiosity and understanding.
After reading, explore more about DNA together online or through educational videos to cement their understanding with visual aids.
Draw a family tree together, discussing inherited traits to make learning about DNA interactive and personal.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Genetics
Explanation: Through a captivating storyline, 'Red-y, Set, DNA!' explores the basics of DNA and genetics, showing children how traits are passed from parents to children.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by understanding the diversity among peers and appreciating how everyone's unique genetic makeup makes them special.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist's quest to learn more about her genetic traits fosters an inquisitive spirit.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to ask questions and seek answers about their own traits and the world around them.
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: As the characters in the book discover their unique genetic traits, the story celebrates individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace their own uniqueness and respect others' differences, promoting self-confidence and empathy.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters work together to solve genetic puzzles, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in collaborative activities at school, teaching children how to work effectively in groups.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Challenges in the story require the characters to think critically and solve problems related to genetics.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply critical thinking skills to overcome obstacles and challenges in their everyday life.