In this book, children identify eight commonly known animals by their tail, eyes, ears, and nose. All body parts and animals are then shown together fIn this book, children identify eight commonly known animals by their tail, eyes, ears, and nose. All body parts and animals are then shown together for children to observe their similarities and differences. Through this story, children learn to receptively and expressively identify animals and their body parts. Children can make the animals in the book during art, gluing on each animal's tail, toes, eyes, and nose. Children with special needs can also participate in this type of activity, although they may need additional prompting to be successful. ...more
A small, green chameleon moves across the desert, matching the colors of his environment. He ventures into a zoo and is enthralled with the diverse anA small, green chameleon moves across the desert, matching the colors of his environment. He ventures into a zoo and is enthralled with the diverse animals he had never seen before. He adopts characteristics of the animals he visits, until finally realizing that he was happiest when he was himself. This story lends itself to the topics of identity and diversity. Children can learn what it means to be an individual, and that everyone is different. Adults may talk to children about the desire we sometimes have to be like others, and that, while we may adopt some characteristics of others, it's important that we love ourselves for who we are. Young children and children with special needs may participate by creating "mixed-up chameleons" in art centers, or by identifying and matching colors in the story. Additionally, the dramatic play center may include materials for children to dress up like the chameleon. ...more
Unsatisfied with his current living situation, Bear goes on a journey in search of a new home. Along his way, he visits a variety of habitats includinUnsatisfied with his current living situation, Bear goes on a journey in search of a new home. Along his way, he visits a variety of habitats including the arctic, the desert, and the rainforest. Each habitat is not quite right. Eventually, Bear learns that his original home is where he belongs. This is a great book to teach about different animals and habitats. Activities which involve matching animals to their habitats can be made to make the story more interactive. Additionally, this story touches on the concept of home. Children can talk about their homes and learn that people live in different kinds of homes (e.g., apartments, houses), just like the animals in the story. Children with special needs may be included by matching visuals of animals to their pictures in the book, or by programming their AAC devices with pictures of their homes to tell about where they live. ...more
Children are able to explore their sense of hearing in this book about a polar bear who listens to the sounds of different animals at the zoo. ChildreChildren are able to explore their sense of hearing in this book about a polar bear who listens to the sounds of different animals at the zoo. Children are given an opportunity to rehearse the names of these animals at the end of the book, when the zookeeper asks, "Children, children, what do you hear?" A felt story can be created to make the book more interactive, and to give children practice identifying and labeling animals. Children with disabilities may receptively identify animals, and the large, highly contrasted illustrations may help children attend to the story. ...more
Polar Bear is very much an introvert. He likes to read, write, and think to himself. Goose, on the other hand, is loud and speaks every thought that cPolar Bear is very much an introvert. He likes to read, write, and think to himself. Goose, on the other hand, is loud and speaks every thought that comes to mind. Although these two appear to be an unlikely pair, they become great friends after Goose divulges his affection for Polar Bear in a note. This is a great story to teach about being friends with people who don't right away seem like they are like us. Children can role play the interactions between Polar Bear and Goose, and a literacy activity can be created in which children write what they like about friends in their classroom and give the notes just like Goose gave to Polar Bear. ...more
No matter how hard she tries to be quiet, poor Lily Hippo is too loud. She wakes her baby sister, prevents her dad from thinking, and "makes more noisNo matter how hard she tries to be quiet, poor Lily Hippo is too loud. She wakes her baby sister, prevents her dad from thinking, and "makes more noise than a heard of elephants" according to her big brother. Even her best friends complain she is too loud. However, Lily's tendency to be loud is embraced by all when she performs in the school play. This book is great for teaching a number of different concepts: 1) what it means to be loud, 2) there is a time and a place for certain behaviors, and 3) how can we respond when someone around us is behaving inappropriately? Children can take turns acting out what it means to be loud and quiet, and can talk about appropriate contexts for being quiet and loud. Children who are not yet able to discuss these topics may participate by identifying and/or labeling the different animals in the story. ...more
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