The Burgess Animal Book for Children
Bedtime Story-Books Series
on Goodreads (1,131)
What’s inside...
Purchase one of 1st World Library's Classic Books and help support our free internet library of downloadable eBooks. Visit us online at www.1stWorldLibrary.ORG - - The cordial reception given the Burgess Bird Book for Children, together with numerous letters to the author asking for information on the habits and characteristics of many of the mammals of America, led to the preparation of this volume. It is offered merely as an introduction to the four-footed friends, little and big, which form so important a part of the wild life of the United States and Canada. There has been no attempt to describe or classify sub-species. That is for the scientist and student with specific interests. The purpose of this book is to acquaint the reader with the larger groups - orders, families, and divisions of the latter, so that typical representatives may be recognized and their habits understood. Instead of the word mammal, the word animal has been used throughout as having a better defined meaning to the average child. A conscientious effort to avoid technical terms and descriptions has been made that there may be nothing to confuse the young mind. Clarity and simplicity have been the objects kept constantly in view. The Burgess Animal Book For ChildrenBy Thornton W. Burgess
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-10
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Peter Rabbit felt when he met the other animals in the forest? Why?
Which animal was the most interesting to learn about, and what was one thing you learned about it?
How do you think the animals in the forest rely on each other to survive?
If you could be any animal from the book for a day, which one would you choose and what would you do?
Why is it important to understand and respect wildlife, based on what we read?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to guess what they might learn about each animal mentioned in the title or introduction.
While reading, pause at each new animal introduction and ask your child to describe the animal’s characteristics or role in the forest based on the context.
After reading, have your child draw their favorite scene or animal from the book and explain their choice.
Discuss with your child how the animals’ behaviors and characteristics can be seen in animals they see in their everyday life or at a zoo.
Encourage your child to think about how the story would be different if it was set in a different environment, such as a desert or ocean.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Throughout 'The Burgess Animal Book for Children,' Burgess uses anthropomorphized animal characters to teach about wildlife and their natural habitats, fostering a respect for nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and care for the environment around them, becoming conscious of how their actions impact nature.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Through the character of Peter Rabbit, who asks numerous questions about other animals, the narrative encourages curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore and ask questions about the world around them, enhancing their educational experience and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding diversity
Explanation: The book introduces a variety of animal species, each with unique traits and lifestyles, promoting an understanding and appreciation of diversity in nature.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding socially, recognizing and valuing the differences in people they encounter in daily life.
Example Lesson: Importance of community
Explanation: The interactions between the different animal characters show the importance of community and how each member plays a role in the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children see the value of teamwork and cooperation in their family, school, and community environments.
Example Lesson: Empathy for animals
Explanation: By presenting animals as characters with emotions and social bonds, the book invites readers to empathize with wildlife.
Real-World Application: Encouraging empathy can lead children to become compassionate towards animals and people, influencing positive social interactions and emotional intelligence.