Skyscraper Babies
What’s inside...
This poetic story celebrates family and nature in an urban setting, where both squirrels and humans navigate the bustling city and return to their homes high in the skyscrapers at day's end. The story emphasizes the importance of coexisting with the natural world and provides a soothing text that can lull children to sleep.
Discussion points
What do you think the skyscraper babies would say if they could talk?
Why do you think the buildings are called 'babies' in the story?
How do the skyscraper babies change as they grow up?
What kind of people do you think would live in or visit these skyscraper babies?
How did the story make you feel about cities and tall buildings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, explain what skyscrapers are and show pictures of real skyscrapers to build background knowledge.
While reading, pause to ask your child what they notice about the illustrations, especially how the buildings are 'growing'.
Ask your child to imagine and describe their own skyscraper baby — what would it look like and what would make it unique?
Discuss the different purposes buildings in cities serve, like homes, offices, or shops, and connect it to the structures in the book.
After reading, take a walk around your neighborhood or city to point out and discuss various buildings and their functions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Skyscraper Babies,' various baby animals work together to build a skyscraper, showcasing how teamwork can accomplish great tasks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperation and working together to achieve common goals, which is essential in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the baby animals encounter and solve different construction challenges, teaching critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This promotes a mindset of tackling obstacles head-on in daily situations, such as resolving conflicts with siblings or figuring out a difficult homework problem.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The baby animals use unique, imaginative methods to build the skyscraper, which highlights the value of creative solutions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and apply creativity to their play, studies, and interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Duty
Explanation: Each animal has a specific job crucial to the skyscraper's construction, underlining the importance of responsibility.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the significance of fulfilling their roles, whether in household chores or in group assignments at school.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: The diverse range of baby animals demonstrates that despite differences, they can work harmoniously to achieve something significant.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and embrace diversity among peers and in their communities, fostering an inclusive environment.