Walrus: Tusk, Tusk (Built for Cold: Arctic Animals)
Built For Cold. Arctic Animals Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
This book introduces the physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, and migration of walruses, marine mammals known for their flippers and tusks. It follows the real-life adventure of wildlife biologist Tony Fischbach, who studied walruses in the Arctic's Chukchi Sea, Alaska during spring 2010. Despite the harsh conditions, Tony managed to attach radio transmitters to walruses to track their movements and gained insights into their survival strategies in the cold Arctic habitat. The book provides an engaging narrative and large, full-color photos to educate children about how walruses hunt, stay warm, and raise their young in one of the world's coldest environments.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it's like for a walrus to live in the cold Arctic environment?
How do the tusks help the walrus survive in its habitat?
What other animals did you notice in the book that live in the Arctic, and how are they adapted to their environment?
Why do you think it's important to learn about animals like the walrus?
If you were a walrus, what would a day in your life look like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child what they found most interesting about the walrus and its habitat, encouraging them to think critically about how the environment influences animal behavior.
Use colorful visuals or illustrations from the book to discuss specific features of the walrus, such as its tusks or blubber, explaining how they serve specific purposes.
Compare the Arctic environment to your local environment with your child, discussing how animals in different areas adapt differently based on their surroundings.
Encourage your child to imagine being an Arctic explorer, asking them what tools and skills they would need to observe walruses safely and respectfully in the wild.
Relate the story to broader environmental issues, prompting a discussion about why protecting habitats like the Arctic is vital for the animals that live there.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptation to Environments
Explanation: The book illustrates how walruses are uniquely adapted to survive in the Arctic's harsh conditions, highlighting their thick blubber and tusks used for digging and fighting.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adapting to different situations and environments, encouraging them to be resilient and resourceful when faced with new challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: Walruses are shown living in large herds, which helps them protect each other from predators and harsh weather.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of community and teamwork, showing them how working together can provide safety and strength.
Example Lesson: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Balance
Explanation: The book details the role of walruses in their ecosystem, including how their diet and behaviors influence other species and environmental aspects.
Real-World Application: Kids learn about the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of every species, fostering a sense of responsibility to protect and preserve biodiversity.
Example Lesson: Respect for Wildlife
Explanation: Through engaging narrative and visuals, the book provides insights into the life of walruses, cultivating respect and awe for these creatures.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to respect nature and wildlife, promoting environmentally conscious behaviors from a young age.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The book's exploration of the Arctic habitat and its inhabitants sparks curiosity about science and the natural world.
Real-World Application: Stimulates a child’s desire to learn and explore more about the world around them, enhancing their educational journey and critical thinking skills.