The Ladybird Big Book of Dead Things
#1 of 29 in A Ladybird Book Series
What’s inside...
The Big Book of Dead Things is a humorous and stylishly illustrated non-fiction guide that explores a wide range of topics related to things that are dead and gone, including dinosaurs, prehistoric animals, astronomy, and ancient history. The book features engaging animal characters and illustrations that bring these subjects to life. Readers will have the opportunity to learn about Ancient Egyptian mummies, explore prehistoric worlds, and discover the science behind the death of stars. This book was longlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 'Best Book with Facts' in 2020.
Discussion points
What new thing did you learn about the natural world from this book?
Why do you think it's important to learn about things that are no longer alive?
How do you feel about the cycle of life and death shown in the book?
Can you think of any ways we might help protect living creatures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their emotions and viewpoints.
Use the illustrations in the book to guide your discussion, pointing out details that might not have been immediately obvious.
Connect the themes of the book to familiar experiences or observations your child might have had, such as witnessing seasons change or finding fallen leaves.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite 'dead thing' from the book and explain why they chose it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the cycle of life
Explanation: The book educates young readers about the natural processes of life and death in the animal and plant kingdoms, showcasing how every living thing has a life cycle.
Real-World Application: Children can gain a respectful awareness of nature and the environment, learning the importance of caring for living things and the roles they play in our ecosystem.
Example Lesson: Encouraging scientific curiosity
Explanation: Through detailed illustrations and engaging facts about dead things, the book sparks curiosity about biology and the natural world.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to observe, ask questions, and explore the world around them, laying a foundation for scientific learning and critical thinking.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of natural events
Explanation: The book presents death as a natural part of life, helping children understand and accept this often difficult concept.
Real-World Application: This lesson assists children in coping with the loss of pets or plants, helping them to process their experiences in a healthy way.
Example Lesson: Importance of biodiversity
Explanation: Explaining the role dead organisms play in the ecosystem, the book teaches about biodiversity and its necessity for a balanced environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of diversity in living organisms and how each species contributes to the health of the planet.