The Future is Wild: A Natural History of the Future
What’s inside...
Imagine the evolution of planet Earth over the next 200 million years. What creatures will inhabit the land or lurk beneath the sea? Will humans even exist? The Future Is Wild takes you on an awesome evolutionary journey, filled with amazing predictions and fascinating facts! Imagine the world in the far distant future -- a world without humans, a world so different from ours that, until now, it's been impossible to consider. What creatures will roam the land or swim in the oceans? The Future Is Wild brings to life a world of amazing creatures and sets them loose in our imagination. Based on fundamental biological and evolutionary principles, they could -- and may yet -- exist: 5 million years from now, the carakiller is the Amazon's swiftest predator. 100 million years from now, Toratons, descendants of tortoises, are the biggest animals ever to walk the Earth. 200 million years from now, Warrior terabytes disable victims by spraying chemicals at them. In five million years, Northern Europe and North America are covered by ice sheets. Only the hardiest, most adaptable species are able to survive. In 100 million years, Earth is a global hothouse, brimming with life. Another 100 million years and Earth is a single, huge supercontinent and one vast, warm ocean. Using state-of-the-art computer animation, The Future Is Wild is able to transform the imagination into actual images, creating a living world of strange creatures and extraordinary habitats.
Age
5-7
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think our planet would look like in the future?
How might animals and plants change to adapt to different environments?
Why is it important to think about how our actions today affect the future of Earth?
If you could create a future animal, what would it be like and why?
What can we do now to help preserve the natural world for future generations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination to visualize the future scenarios presented in the book.
Relate discussions to current environmental issues and conservation efforts to provide real-world connections.
Ask your child to draw their version of a future animal or plant and explain the adaptations and functionalities.
Create a family 'future forecast' chart where each member predicts one aspect of future life on Earth and discusses the potential outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptation and Evolution
Explanation: The story explores various futuristic creatures and their environments, demonstrating how species might evolve to adapt to changes in their ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adaptability and resilience, qualities that are essential in facing the ever-changing challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: By showcasing a range of speculative ecosystems, the book emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the impact of environmental changes.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of caring for the environment and understanding how their actions can affect the world around them.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The imaginative creatures and futuristic scenarios can inspire children to think creatively and consider possibilities beyond the current reality.
Real-World Application: Fostering creativity in children can enhance their problem-solving skills and encourage innovative thinking in their day-to-day activities.
Example Lesson: Scientific Inquiry
Explanation: The book poses hypothetical scenarios based on scientific principles, prompting readers to think about how and why things might happen.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to question, explore, and make hypotheses about the natural world, which is a foundational skill in science education.
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: Through its depiction of a wide variety of life forms and environments, the book illustrates the beauty and necessity of diversity in nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences, both in nature and in human cultures, fostering a more inclusive worldview.