The Animal Boogie
Barefoot Singalongs Series
What’s inside...
This lively rhyme soon has young listeners frolicking around with creatures in the Indian jungle. Children will be eager to join in and copy the animals' actions. The song has a quick pace and its catchiness allows little ones to learn the words and get involved with the story as they try to guess the animal that will appear on the next page. The book features children from many cultures and differently-abled children. The rhymes and music encourage children to experiment with movement. Everyone will want to get up and dance to this toe-tapping favorite!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What animal in the book did you like the most, and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt as happy as the animals dancing in the jungle?
How do you think the animals felt when they were dancing together?
If you could create a new animal to join the dance, what would it be like and what dance moves would it do?
Why do you think it's important for the animals to have friends to dance with?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading 'The Animal Boogie', point out the different animals and their movements to spark your child's imagination about movement and expression.
Encourage your child to get up and try to mimic the dance moves of the animals, turning storytime into an interactive activity.
Discuss the emotions and expressions of the animals in the illustrations to help your child understand and empathize with different sentiments.
Use the rhythmic and repetitive phrases in the book to engage your child in reading along with you, enhancing their literacy and memory skills.
After reading, have a creative session where you and your child draw your favorite scene or animal from the book, fostering an artistic expression and deeper connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The Animal Boogie features a variety of animals with different characteristics dancing together in the jungle, symbolizing unity in diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, fostering inclusivity from a young age.
Example Lesson: Physical activity is fun
Explanation: The rhythmic, boogie-style narrative encourages children to mimic the moves, highlighting the joy of dance and movement.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to participate in dance or other physical activities, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Example Lesson: Exploration and curiosity
Explanation: The book's setting in a vibrant jungle invites curiosity about different animals and their habitats, sparking interest in nature and environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore the world around them, whether through outdoor adventures or learning about different cultures and environments in books or media.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The colorful illustrations and playful text foster a creative atmosphere that encourages children to imagine and create their own stories or dances.
Real-World Application: This imaginative play enhances cognitive development and can be applied in creative arts activities at home or in school.