The Queen's Shadow: A Story About How Animals See
What’s inside...
In this informational picture book, award-winning author and illustrator Cybèle Young mixes the science of animal eyesight with a clever whodunit involving a haughty queen. During the Queen's Ball, attended by 'society's most important nobility' (all of whom are animals), the queen's shadow is stolen. Mantis Shrimp, the Royal Detective, leads the investigation with each animal suspect presenting their version of events based on their unique eyesight. The book contains detailed artwork illustrating the ballroom from each animal's perspective. Sidebars provide factual information on how each animal's eyesight functions. The book also includes sections on human vision, background on the animals, and a glossary, making it an excellent resource for life science lessons on animal and human characteristics, and offers a layered narrative filled with sly humor and engaging storytelling.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to see the world like the animals in the book?
Which animal's vision did you find the most interesting and why?
How do you think having different ways of seeing helps the animals in their environment?
If you could choose, which animal’s vision would you want to have for a day?
How do you think the story would change if it were from the perspective of another animal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine vividly by asking them to describe how the world might look through the eyes of different animals from the book. Discuss the importance of diverse perspectives, not only in vision but in life, and how each one has its unique advantages and challenges. Highlight the educational elements by correlating the animals' vision with their natural habitats and survival strategies. This not only deepens their understanding but makes the reading experience more interactive and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Diversity in Perception
Explanation: The book uses the animal kingdom to demonstrate how different creatures see the world in unique ways.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate that everyone has their own perspective and that these differences enrich our understanding and interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Observation
Explanation: Through a tale about animal vision, children are encouraged to observe their surroundings more keenly, noticing that different creatures experience the world differently.
Real-World Application: This can foster a sense of curiosity and attentiveness in children, helping them to better learn and engage with their environment.
Example Lesson: Cognitive Development
Explanation: The story challenges children to think about how vision affects perception, promoting cognitive development as they consider viewpoints beyond their own.
Real-World Application: This nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as children learn to analyze and reason through different scenarios and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: By showing how various animals perceive the world, the book fosters empathy, as children understand that not everyone sees the world the same way they do.
Real-World Application: This helps in building social skills and empathetic interactions among peers, promoting a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Interest in Science
Explanation: The book introduces basic concepts of biology and physics through the explanations of animal visions, sparking an interest in scientific exploration.
Real-World Application: This can lead children to pursue further reading and experiments in science, enhancing their educational journey through active learning.