The Animal Orchestra (A pop-up book)
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Feathers are flying in the animal orchestra! Lift the flaps and see who's hiding in Deer's drum, Panda's piano, Turtle's tuba, Fox's fiddle and Zebra's xylophone. Zebra has an idea which resolves the problem, revealed in a pop-up final spread. What's going on in the animal orchestra? Deer's drum doesn't go BOOM! BOOM! It goes QUACK! QUACK! And Panda's piano goes SQUAWK! How odd! How peculiar! Lift the flaps and find out why! Animal lovers and budding musicians alike will grin with delight at the marvelous mix-ups in Nick Sharratt's lively and colorful book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
14 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes each animal in the orchestra special?
Can you imagine what music they might play? How would it sound?
Which animal was your favorite and why?
How do you think the animals feel when they make music together?
If you could add another animal to the orchestra, which one would it be and what instrument would it play?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you read through 'The Animal Orchestra', point out the different instruments each animal plays. Encourage your child to describe the sounds of these instruments. Mimic the sounds together for a fun, interactive reading session. After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite animal from the book playing its instrument. Use this opportunity to discuss the value of teamwork and how each animal's contribution to the orchestra creates beautiful music, just like how every person's unique abilities contribute to a community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The animals in 'The Animal Orchestra' come together to create music, showcasing how each unique sound contributes to the harmony of the group.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others and valuing everyone's contribution, whether in classroom projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Diversity
Explanation: Each animal in the orchestra plays a different instrument and brings a unique sound, highlighting the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace and celebrate differences among their peers and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The book showcases various animals creatively expressing themselves through music, which emphasizes the value of artistic expression.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore and express their own creativity, whether through music, art, or other forms of expression.
Example Lesson: Following Directions
Explanation: To create music together, the animals must follow the conductor’s cues, teaching the importance of listening and following instructions.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the necessity of following rules and instructions in school, at home, or during activities.
Example Lesson: Joy in Learning
Explanation: The joyful expressions of the animals while making music can inspire a positive attitude towards learning new skills.
Real-World Application: Children might be more open to learning new things, whether academic or extracurricular, with enthusiasm and joy.