What am I?: In the Bush
#2 in What am I? Series
What’s inside...
This fascinating book introduces 11 unique living things that can be seen in our New Zealand bush. Meet: A moth with no mouth that lives for only one night, an insect with four ears, a naughty parrot that pulls apart cars, and a bird with nostrils at the end of its beak. Younger readers will enjoy the challenge of guessing the identity of each animal as they read the rhyming poem which gives clues about the mystery creature. This is followed by interesting facts and a question page to test memory skills. What Am I? Bush will appeal to readers of all ages. The book features eleven common New Zealand native bush creatures. Children have fun solving the rhyming puzzles and questions to learn about the intriguing lifestyles of kereru (wood pigeon), fantail, kiwi, kea, stick insect, weta, puriri moth, koura (freshwater crayfish), cicada, dragonfly, and gecko. Each section starts with a narrative rhyming poem that gives clues to the animals’ identities and ends with the question 'What Am I?' Turn the page to reveal which creature. Includes information about the animal in side boxes; details about their life and activities (from the animal’s perspective), and several full-color detailed photography for each.
Discussion points
What similarities do you notice between the animals' homes in the bush and our own?
Why do you think certain animals prefer living in the bush?
How do the bush animals help each other?
What would you do if you visited the bush? Which animal would you like to see most?
How do you think the bush would change if one of the animals was missing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the textures, sounds, and smells of the bush while reading to enhance sensory involvement.
Ask your child to guess the next animal before turning the page, building anticipation and engagement.
Post-reading, relate the animals' needs and behaviors in the bush to familiar animals in your area to deepen understanding and connection.
Use the illustrations in the book to discuss colors, shapes, and sizes, helping your child make visual and cognitive connections.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of biodiversity
Explanation: The book introduces children to various animals living in the bush, explaining their roles and importance in their natural habitat.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect the variety of life around them, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Scientific curiosity
Explanation: As children guess which animal is being described, they engage in a form of scientific inquiry, making observations and predictions.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to ask questions and seek answers about the natural world in their daily lives, enhancing their analytical thinking.
Example Lesson: Learning about animal behaviors
Explanation: Each animal introduced in the book displays specific behaviors and characteristics, educating children on how different animals adapt to their environments.
Real-World Application: Understanding animal behaviors can help children develop empathy and understanding toward different creatures and their needs.
Example Lesson: Conservation awareness
Explanation: By showcasing animals in their natural habitats, the book subtly highlights the importance of conservation and the impacts of human activity on these environments.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of conservation efforts and be encouraged to participate in or advocate for environmental preservation activities.