The Secret of the Egg
#3 in Animal Surprises Series
What’s inside...
Discover the delights of nature with zoologist, poet, and top children’s book author, Nicola Davies. Follow the young adventurer as she explores eggs of all shapes and sizes, where they may be hiding and what secrets could be held within. The easy rhymes encourage children to join in. With zoologically accurate, bright, and exciting illustrations by Abbie Cameron, this book explores the huge variety of animal and insect eggs and is one in a series of rhyming picture books which entertain and educate on a wide range of animals.
Discussion points
What do you think is the secret of the egg mentioned in the story?
Why do you think eggs are important for the creatures in the book?
How do you think the different animals take care of their eggs? What could be the reason for their various methods?
Can you imagine what it would be like if humans laid eggs? How would our lives be different?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each section, ask your child to predict what might happen next, based on the pictures and text they have seen so far.
While discussing the book, relate the different egg-nurturing methods to responsibility and caregiving. Highlight how each creature’s method reflects their environment and needs.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite egg from the book, discussing the colors, shapes, and sizes of different eggs.
Draw parallels between the nurturing of eggs in the book with how humans nurture and care for babies, emphasizing empathy and caretaking behaviors.
After finishing the book, ask your child to summarize what they learned about eggs. Celebrate by possibly visiting a local farm or zoo to see some real eggs and birds.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: The story highlights the waiting process of an egg hatching, teaching children the virtue of patience as they anticipate the revealing of the mystery inside the egg.
Real-World Application: Children learn to wait patiently for outcomes, understanding that some processes, like growth or learning new skills, take time to develop.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and all forms of life
Explanation: Through the detailed illustrations and narrative focusing on the lifecycle of an egg, children gain a respectful curiosity about nature and the life it nurtures.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to observe and interact with the natural world thoughtfully, promoting environmental consciousness from a young age.
Example Lesson: Understanding life cycles
Explanation: The book educates on different species' eggs and their journey to becoming adults, offering a foundational understanding of biology and life cycles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding academically in science classes and practically by observing wildlife, fostering a scientific temperament.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The mystery of what lies inside the egg incites curiosity, driving the narrative and engaging young readers to learn more.
Real-World Application: This stirs a sense of wonder and inquiry in children, motivating them to explore books and other educational content to satisfy their curiosity.
Example Lesson: Diversity in the natural world
Explanation: By presenting eggs from various species, the book showcases the diversity in animal life and habitats, enhancing children's knowledge about biodiversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate the variety of life forms and their unique roles in ecosystems, which can be further explored in school projects or family trips to nature reserves.