Sterling: The lovestruck moose with a heart for cows (True Stories of Animal Heroes)
#1 of 70 in Animal Stories Series
What’s inside...
In this new series, based on real-life animal tales, discover that not all heroes wear capes - some have four legs, a wet nose, and a brave heart. Follow the story of Sterling, a 1,000-pound moose with a love for cows during the disco era with flower crowns. His home in a Canadian marsh by a dairy farm leads him to break fences and befriend the cows, much to the farmer's dismay. This heartfelt story, illustrated with stunning nature scenes by Laivi Poder, also includes a factual section about moose and conservation efforts. Other tales in the series include Onyx the wolf, Fluffles the koala, and Talala the leopard cub, each sharing themes of friendship and bravery.
Discussion points
What do you think made Sterling so special to the people and cows around him?
How do you think the cows felt when Sterling was around?
If you were to meet Sterling, what would you ask him or do with him?
What can we learn from how Sterling treated others?
How did Sterling's story change the way you think about friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a unique friendship or bond, helping your child relate to Sterling's relationship with the cows.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their version of Sterling’s world, allowing them to creatively engage with the storyline.
Ask your child to draw parallels between Sterling’s actions and good friendship traits, reinforcing the moral of the story.
Discuss the feelings and emotions of different characters, fostering empathy and understanding in your child.
Pose hypothetical questions to your child about different outcomes in the story, enhancing their critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Sterling the moose develops an affection for animals different from himself, showing children the value of empathy by embracing differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and understand peers who might look or behave differently from them, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing challenges, Sterling remains committed to his journey, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: This story teaches children the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it's solving a tough math problem or learning a new sport.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: Sterling's story highlights how friendships can cross typical boundaries, illustrating that true friends can come from unexpected places.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be open to forming friendships in various settings and to value those bonds that may initially seem unlikely.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Nature and Animals
Explanation: By following Sterling’s adventures, children gain a respect for nature and the diverse creatures within it.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious and respectful towards animals and the environment during outdoor activities and trips.
Example Lesson: Understanding True Happiness
Explanation: Sterling finds joy in simple things and in being true to himself, rather than conforming to typical moose behavior.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of finding happiness in their own unique interests and being authentic to themselves.