The Zebra's Great Escape
What’s inside...
Mink doesn't believe in rules and loves running wild and free. When she discovers a zebra in her square whose parents have been captured by the evil Mr Spit, Mink sets out on a grand adventure to rescue a whole menagerie of animals. With determination and courage, Mink's journey is depicted with warmth and humor in this timeless picture book emphasizing bravery, friendship, and the importance of taking action. Featuring stunning illustrations by Sara Ogilvie and written by bestselling author Katherine Rundell, this modern classic is an unmissable treat.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
60 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the zebra wanted to escape? What would you do if you were in its place?
How did the other animals in the story react to the zebra's escape? What does this tell us about teamwork and friendship?
What are some of the challenges the zebra faced during its escape? How did it overcome them?
If you could add another animal character to help the zebra, which animal would it be and why?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting, like a forest or a city?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voice and actions when discussing the zebra's adventures to make the conversation lively and engaging.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists in the story, boosting their creative thinking.
Relate the zebra’s experiences to your child’s own experiences of trying something challenging or new.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or a new animal character, integrating art into the learning experience.
Discuss the moral of the story and its application in real life to instill values such as courage and determination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Zebra's Great Escape,' the diverse group of animals must work together to outsmart the zookeeper and navigate through obstacles. Their success is dependent on each member contributing their unique skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or team sports, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Ingenuity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The animals in the story often face challenges that require creative thinking and quick decision-making to escape tricky situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think on their feet and use their imagination to solve problems they encounter in their daily lives, fostering essential cognitive skills.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist, Zuki the Zebra, constantly faces fears yet decides to bravely lead the escape, showing courage in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of facing their fears and being courageous, whether it's trying out new activities or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the bonds between the animal characters grow stronger, demonstrating the lasting value of friendship and loyalty.
Real-World Application: This illustrates to children how building and maintaining trustworthy friendships can provide emotional support and happiness.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the zebra and his friends never give up on their quest for freedom, exemplifying resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights to children the importance of perseverance in overcoming difficulties in their schoolwork or personal endeavors.