Who Pooped in the Park? Great Smoky Mountains National Park
#1 of 13 in Who Pooped In The Park? Series
What’s inside...
Who Pooped in the Park? Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an educational children's book by Steve Kemp that takes young readers on an engaging journey through the Great Smoky Mountains. The book is designed to teach children about the wildlife in the park by exploring the different types of scat (poop) that animals leave behind. Through colorful illustrations and a fun narrative, readers follow a family as they hike through the park, encountering various animal droppings along the way. The book provides clues about which animals are responsible for the scat and offers insights into their diets and behaviors. This interactive approach encourages children to learn about nature and wildlife tracking in a playful and memorable way. This charming tale of Michael, Emily, and their parents as they explore each national park and discover scat and tracks is designed to both entertain and educate. Wildlife can be elusive, and both kids are disappointed when, at first, they dont encounter many animals in the park. The kids quickly learn, however, that there are animals all around, and these creatures leave behind scat and tracks. Before long, the kids are able to identify animal tracks and determine what a creature has eaten recently. Colorful illustrations of animals and their scat and tracks supplement this lively tale, and a quick-reference chart at the back will make field identification a breeze!
Discussion points
What animals did we discover in the book and which one do you think left the mystery poop?
How do you think animals' habits are different from humans when it comes to taking care of nature?
Why is it important to keep parks clean and undisturbed?
What would you do if you were a park ranger for a day in the Great Smoky Mountains?
How can we help protect animals and their homes when we visit a park?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their curiosity about each animal mentioned in the book. Ask them to guess the mystery pooper before revealing the answer.
Discuss the role of park rangers and the importance of national parks in preserving wildlife and natural beauty.
Encourage your child to think about responsible behavior in nature, like not littering and staying on trails.
Relate the story to any family experiences of visiting parks or seeing wildlife, enhancing personal connection to the story.
Use the book as a starting point to plan a family outing to a local park, keeping an eye out for signs of different animals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story educates children about the different animals in the park and the signs they leave behind, emphasizing the importance of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and care for the environment during outdoor activities and understand the impact of their actions on natural habitats.
Example Lesson: Scientific curiosity
Explanation: By exploring animal feces, the book encourages an interest in biological science and teaches children how to observe and identify animal traces.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply observational skills in real life by exploring and learning from their surroundings, fostering a lifelong love for science.
Example Lesson: Awareness of animal behavior
Explanation: The book provides insights into why animals behave the way they do, which is vital for understanding biodiversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop empathy towards animals and better understand wildlife during family trips to parks or nature reserves.
Example Lesson: Importance of conservation
Explanation: Through its narrative about park animals, the book highlights the need to protect endangered species and preserve their environments.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in conservation efforts such as clean-ups or educational programs, enhancing their sense of responsibility towards the planet.