Toby and the Ice Giants
What’s inside...
Join Toby the Bison in this fact-filled adventure as he explores the Ice Age Tundra and meets some of the giants that roamed its icy surface. Ten-thousand years ago, the Earth was in the grips of what Paleontologists call the Last Glacial Period, but what you and I have come to know as the Ice Age. The inhabitants of this frozen landscape lived in some of the coldest conditions the earth has ever experienced. But before these giants grew to their great size, they were young and, like Toby, very, very inquisitive. Toby and the Ice Giants is a wonderfully illustrated story that delivers digestible facts about the Earth's historic inhabitants. Share in Toby's lively curiosity, experience the danger of the polar climes and meet some larger-than-life characters on the way. Joe Lillington was born in London and studied illustration at Falmouth University. He was recently commissioned to illustrate the cover of Stew Magazine, illustrated a short story in AMBIT magazine, and has exhibited at Light Grey Art Lab shows and the Just Us collective show. Lillington explains, 'The type of story I liked when I was younger is similar to the stories I like now. I especially liked Fantastic Mr. Fox, Asterix, and The Hobbit, which I still find inspiring and fun. I think these stories feed my interest in creating children's books now. I want to make an interesting story set in a fun and engaging world.'
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Toby
Discussion points
How do you think Toby felt when he met each of the Ice Giants?
Why do you think the Ice Giants acted the way they did?
What was the most surprising thing Toby learned during his adventure?
Can you think of a time when you met someone new like Toby did, and how did you feel?
If you could ask an Ice Giant one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions experienced by Toby and the Ice Giants, enhancing the storytelling experience.
Ask your child how they might react in situations similar to those faced by Toby to encourage personal connections to the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or Ice Giant, using this activity to discuss the unique traits of each character.
Link discussions about the book to natural phenomena or historical events where possible to enrich the educational aspect of the reading.
Praise your child for unique answers or insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: In 'Toby and the Ice Giants', Toby the bison embarks on a journey through a prehistoric landscape, meeting various ice age creatures. His curiosity about the world around him drives the narrative.
Real-World Application: Fostering a sense of curiosity helps children explore their own environments, ask questions, and learn more about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Bravery in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Toby encounters many challenges and predators but continues to bravely explore his surroundings.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and overcome obstacles, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: Importance of Learning from Others
Explanation: Toby learns about different creatures and their lifestyles as he meets them, gaining knowledge from each encounter.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of listening to others' experiences and knowledge, enhancing social skills and expanding their understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Toby’s journey highlights the diversity of life and the balance of ecosystems during the ice age, teaching respect for nature and its inhabitants.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to respect nature can lead to environmentally conscious behavior from a young age, like not littering, recycling, and conserving water.