The Hidden Forest
on Goodreads (191)
What’s inside...
Looking for his lost fish trap, Ben thinks he sees something dark moving under the water. Is it a creature or only his imagination? Diving into the sea with his friend Sophie, he is amazed to discover a wonderful hidden world - and the rich variety of creatures that live there.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the forest symbolizes in the story?
How did the characters' actions affect the forest throughout the book?
Why do you think the author chose to show changes in the forest with each page turn?
What feelings did you experience as you saw the transformations in the forest?
How can we help protect natural places like the forest in our own community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prompt your child's thoughts by asking them to describe different elements they see in the illustrations before diving into deeper discussion.
Relate the story to personal experiences, discussing any family outings to forests or nature reserves and comparing them to the book.
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of human actions on natural environments, using examples from the book to guide the discussion.
Ask your child to imagine their own hidden forest and describe what it would look like and what kinds of animals and plants might live there.
After reading, consider planning a visit to a local forest or park to explore the themes of the book in a real-world setting.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of environmental conservation
Explanation: The Hidden Forest illustrates the beauty and complexity of marine ecosystems, showcasing how each element is crucial for balance.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in local clean-up efforts or conservation projects to protect their natural surroundings.
Example Lesson: Understanding ecosystems
Explanation: Through the journey of a lost camera, the story explains the interconnectedness of marine life and their habitats.
Real-World Application: Students can engage in projects or activities that involve building terrariums or aquariums to learn about biomes and interdependent relationships in ecosystems.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's quest to retrieve his camera leads him to discover a hidden underwater world, fostering a sense of adventure.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to explore their own 'hidden forests' whether in their backyards, parks, or during field trips, promoting observation and inquiry skills.
Example Lesson: Respect for all forms of life
Explanation: The book vividly portrays various marine creatures, emphasizing their importance and the need to respect and preserve wildlife.
Real-World Application: Children can be taught to treat all living things with kindness, whether it's pets at home or insects in the garden, fostering empathy and respect for life.
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: The recovery of the submerged camera is a testament to patience and the continuous effort to achieve a goal.
Real-World Application: Teach children the value of patience through activities such as gardening or complex puzzles, illustrating that some things take time to achieve.