Spot the Animals: A Lift-the-Flap Book of Colors
on Goodreads (64)
What’s inside...
What's hiding there? This charming novelty book, created with the experts at the American Museum of Natural History, is an irresistible first-concept book, combining colours and animals. Peek-a-boo holes in the flaps reveal a bit of a brightly hued creature hiding underneath, making a fun guessing game for preschoolers. Readers can lift the flaps to discover six animals cleverly camouflaged in their natural habitats, from rainforests to coral reefs. Illustrated by Caldecott Honor award-winner Steve Jenkins, Spot the Animals is sure to be a favourite.
Discussion points
What colors do you see on this page? Can you find an animal that matches each color?
Why do you think the rabbit is hiding? What would you do if you were playing hide and seek with the rabbit?
How do the colors of the animals make you feel? Which one is your favorite and why?
Can you guess which animal is behind the flap before you lift it? What clues helped you guess?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before turning the page, encourage your child to predict what animal and colors might be next. This builds anticipation and engagement.
Discuss the emotions associated with different colors and animals, relating them to everyday experiences of the child.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book using the colors they mention during the read. This reinforces color recognition and creativity.
Use expressive voices for different animals during the read to make the reading session more enjoyable and lively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Color Recognition
Explanation: Through an interactive lift-the-flap format, children explore different colors by identifying animals hidden behind each flap.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by identifying and naming colors of objects in their daily environment, enhancing their ability to observe and describe the world around them.
Example Lesson: Animal Identification
Explanation: The book introduces children to a variety of animals, providing an opportunity to learn animal names and features.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children recognize and differentiate animals in real life, in books, or during visits to the zoo, fostering an interest in biology and the natural world.
Example Lesson: Memory Enhancement
Explanation: Remembering which animal is behind each flap encourages memory retention and recall abilities.
Real-World Application: Improved memory skills can aid children in academic settings, particularly in subjects requiring recall like history or biology.
Example Lesson: Sensory Motor Skills Development
Explanation: Manipulating the flaps to reveal the animals underneath promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Real-World Application: The development of motor skills can enhance children’s ability to perform everyday tasks such as tying shoes, writing, and using utensils.