Think of an Eel Big Book: Read and Wonder
Read, Listen and Wonder Series
What’s inside...
Both poetic and scientifically accurate, Think of an Eel relates the little-known lifestyle of a most intriguing fish. In graceful verse that matches the rhythm of an eel's movement, Think of an Eel relates the little-known lifestyle of a most intriguing fish. Children follow an eel from the day he is born, deep in the Sargasso Sea, to his years spent in the ocean, then join him on a trip up a freshwater river and return with him back to the sea, where he has his offspring. Fluid watercolor illustrations depict the sea and river setting in a story as captivating as it is true.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do eels change as they grow? What are the different stages you noticed?
Why do you think the journey of the eel is important in the story?
What feelings do you think the eel experiences during its journey from river to sea?
Can you imagine what life underwater is like? How is it different from life on land?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare the journey of the eel with human life stages, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and adaptability in life, as demonstrated by the eel's journey.
Use the book's illustrations to engage your child visually and ask them to describe what they see in their own words.
Relate the eel’s habitat to environmental topics, promoting awareness about different ecosystems and the importance of environment conservation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book follows the fascinating life cycle of an eel, sparking interest in the natural world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and ask questions about different animals and their environments.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The journey of the eel, from a small larva to a mature eel, exemplifies persistence and growth over time.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of persistence in achieving long-term goals, such as learning a new skill or completing a project.
Example Lesson: Understanding ecosystems
Explanation: The book illustrates how eels interact with their environments and other organisms.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of each species and promotes respect for the balance of nature.
Example Lesson: Life cycles
Explanation: By tracing the eel’s life from birth to adulthood, the book provides a clear and engaging explanation of biological life cycles.
Real-World Application: Aids in comprehending concepts in science classes, fostering a better understanding of biology and the life processes of different organisms.
Example Lesson: Respect for wildlife
Explanation: The narrative encourages empathy for eels, showing them as fascinating creatures rather than just simple fish.
Real-World Application: Cultivates a thoughtful perspective on wildlife and the need to protect and preserve natural habitats.