The Secret World of Plants: Tales of More Than 100 Remarkable Flowers, Trees, and Seeds
DK Treasures Series
on Goodreads (103)
What’s inside...
A timeless treasury of more than 100 stories from the incredible kingdom of plants, told by author and nature expert Ben Hoare.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like if you were a plant? Which plant would you want to be and why?
Can you imagine how the world looks to a flower or a tree? How do you think they feel about the changing seasons?
What do you find most fascinating about how plants grow and survive?
Which plant from the book would you like to learn more about? What questions would you ask it?
How do you think plants communicate with each other in their 'secret world'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the plant world to life. Mimic the sounds of nature, like rustling leaves or blooming flowers, as you read.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite plant from the book, discussing its unique features and habitat as they draw.
After reading, take a walk outside and explore the local flora. Relate real-life plants to those found in the book to reinforce learning.
Set up a small plant-growing project at home. Choose a plant from the book to grow together, monitoring its progress and discussing its growth stages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Through engaging stories about the lives of various plants, this book instills a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this respect in everyday life by engaging in activities such as recycling, conserving water, or planting trees.
Example Lesson: Diversity in ecosystems
Explanation: The book introduces children to a wide variety of plants, showcasing how each type contributes uniquely to its ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to appreciate and celebrate differences in their own environments and communities, understanding that each individual has a unique role to play.
Example Lesson: Scientific curiosity
Explanation: By detailing the fascinating characteristics and survival strategies of plants, the book encourages a deep curiosity about scientific processes.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can be nurtured through participation in science fairs, nature walks, or experiments at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Patience and observation
Explanation: The lifecycle of plants, from seed to flower, teaches the importance of patience and careful observation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply patience and attentiveness in their studies, hobbies, and relationships, recognizing that some things take time to develop and should be watched over diligently.
Example Lesson: Environmental conservation
Explanation: Stories about the importance of each plant in their respective environments underline the need for environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in local clean-ups, conservation projects, or even advocate for environmental policies at a young age.