Wild City: Meet the animals who share our city spaces
on Goodreads (39)
What’s inside...
Take an unforgettable tour around the world to meet the creatures that share our city spaces - from bears to bats, penguins to opossums - and learn about how they have adapted and thrived in this gorgeously illustrated gift book written by award-winning natural history journalist Ben Hoare.
Age
7-11
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What animals did you notice living in our city that were also in the book 'Wild City'?
How do you think the animals adapt to living in such busy environments?
Why is it important for us to know about these animals and share the city with them?
What can we do to help make our city a better place for both people and animals?
How do you feel when you see animals in our city spaces?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, take a walk around your neighborhood and observe the different animals you see. Compare them with the animals in the book.
Discuss with your child how human activities affect the animals living in urban areas and think of ways you both can help.
Encourage your child to draw or write a story about an animal character from the book living in their own city.
Use a map to locate different habitats within your city and match them with the ones described in the book.
After reading, visit a local park or nature reserve to directly observe urban wildlife and reinforce the learning from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy towards animals
Explanation: Wild City introduces young readers to various animals living in urban areas, highlighting their behaviors and habitats.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and respect the animals they encounter in their own cities, fostering a sense of empathy and coexistence.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The book explores how animals adapt to city environments, which prompts discussions about human impact on wildlife.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in local clean-up activities or conservation efforts to protect the urban wildlife.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through the stories of city-dwelling animals, children see the importance of responsible behavior towards our environment and its inhabitants.
Real-World Application: This can translate into everyday actions like not littering, and properly disposing of waste to keep animal habitats clean and safe.
Example Lesson: Importance of biodiversity
Explanation: By showcasing a variety of animals, the book highlights the interconnectedness of city ecosystems and the role of each species.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the diversity of life in their surroundings and understand how each creature contributes to the ecological balance.
Example Lesson: Observational skills
Explanation: Wild City encourages children to observe and learn about the wildlife that lives around them, even in urban settings.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice these skills by observing and identifying different species during city walks or park visits, boosting their attention to detail and curiosity.