Weird and Wonderful Animals
Strange And Wonderful Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Follow the adventures of an intrepid explorer and meet some of the world's most bizarre animals! Did you know there's a wasp that looks like a panda, a basilisk snake that runs over water, a butterfly with a large skull on its body, and a fish that seems to be wearing lipstick? Kids will discover all this and more, as they join an explorer doing research in the wild and see a world of curious animals. Along with detailed illustrations of these cool and surprising creatures, young naturalists get lots of fascinating information from a team of experts. Ages: 7 plus.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What makes an animal weird or wonderful to you?
Can you think of any unique abilities that help these animals survive in their habitats?
Which animal in the book would you like to learn more about and why?
How do you think we can help protect these weird and wonderful animals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each animal description, ask your child to predict what might be weird or wonderful about the animal.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite animal from the book, focusing on the unique features mentioned.
After reading, connect the facts from the book to the broader concepts of biodiversity and conservation.
Use the book as a starting point for a small research project where your child can find more information about one of the animals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Diversity and Acceptance
Explanation: The book showcases a range of unusual animals, each with unique features and behaviors, demonstrating that differences are what make us special.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and accept differences in their peers, understanding that everyone has something unique to offer.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Through engaging facts and vibrant illustrations, children discover intriguing details about animals, sparking a love for learning and exploration.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to ask questions and seek out knowledge, not just in biology, but in all areas of study and life.
Example Lesson: Conservation and Responsibility
Explanation: By highlighting various species, some of which may be endangered, the book teaches children about the importance of conservation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adopt habits that protect the environment, understanding their role in preserving biodiversity for future generations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Understanding the lives of these animals and the challenges they face in the wild can foster empathy and compassion in young readers.
Real-World Application: This empathy can translate into kinder interactions with both animals and humans, encouraging a more compassionate outlook towards those who are different.