Saber Tooths are the Big Cats: Ice Age (Awesome Ancient Animals)
Awesome Ancient Animals Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
In 'Saber Tooths are the Big Cats: Ice Age (Awesome Ancient Animals),' author Dougal Dixon guides young readers through the Ice Age, describing the saber-toothed cats that inhabited the earth. The book covers their physical traits, hunting methods, and the environment they lived in. With engaging language and vivid illustrations, Dixon brings these ancient predators to life, offering insights into their behavior and reasons for extinction. The book aims to ignite curiosity about prehistoric life and foster an interest in paleontology and natural history among children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for saber-toothed cats during the Ice Age?
Why do you think saber-toothed cats had such long teeth? How do you think it helped them survive?
Can you imagine being a scientist discovering fossils? What would you do if you found a saber-toothed cat's fossil?
How are saber-toothed cats different from the cats we see today?
If you could ask a saber-toothed cat one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the Ice Age world to life, emphasizing the challenging conditions these ancient animals faced.
Encourage your child to compare saber-toothed cats with modern cats, discussing similarities and differences to deepen their understanding of evolution.
After reading, explore together online or in books other animals from the same era to broaden context.
Pose hypothetical questions to spark creativity, such as what tools or strategies humans from that era might have used to coexist with these big cats.
Relate the story to current conservation efforts by discussing how learning about past species helps protect current wildlife.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respecting Nature's Diversity
Explanation: The book showcases various Ice Age animals, highlighting how each species played a critical role in their ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect the diversity of wildlife and understand the importance of every species in maintaining the ecological balance.
Example Lesson: Adaptation and Survival
Explanation: The story of the saber-toothed cats' adaptations to their harsh environments teaches about the concept of evolution and natural selection.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of adapting to changing environments and challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The book illustrates how saber-toothed cats might have hunted in packs, relying on each other to survive.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of working together and supporting each other in achieving common goals, whether in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Through exploring the life of ancient animals, the book encourages curiosity about science and history.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in their own learning adventures, exploring new topics and asking questions about the world around them.