Hi, if you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that we are currently working on wild cats unit with my son.
He loves animals, and especially wild cats, so I gathered a few books and prepared some activities to support his interests and, hopefully, answer all the questions he has.
I am going to start by showing you the books that we are working with, and next week I will publish an article featuring all activities. Please remember that these are only my reviews and recommendations. It is not necessary to have them all, not even one. However, I believe that I can give you some valuable tips on choosing the books you buy/ borrow from a library.
'BIG CATS' USBORNE DISCOVERY
It begins with an explanation which wild cats are considered big cats, and some cat characteristics. But it also includes such important subjects as cat's senses, growing up, mating, their habitats, hunting, coats and camouflage and more. There are even separate 'lessons' about tigers, lions, leopards, Asian leopards, cheetahs, and American big cats, and some wild cats that aren't considered 'big cats'.
This delightful, filled with beautiful photographs and illustrations book is definitely one I would recommend the most. Please remember that since the big cats are carnivores, there will be some pretty scary teeth closeups, as well as photographs of cats eating their prey here. I would say that this book is perfect for 5-12 years olds. It is not available on the Usborne website anymore, but it is easily accessible for purchase online, new or second-hand for as little as £3.
'10 REASONS TO LOVE A LION' CATHERINE BARR AND HANAKO CLULOW
I like the toned and delicate illustrations, and I find the addition of a few species of animals and trees native to Africa and the Gir Forrest in India very thoughtful.
My lion-obsessed son finds this book charming and fascinating, and we read it over and over again. We will most likely have to renew it next week :)
'ANIMALS ARE AMAZING: LIONS' VALERIE BODDEN
We borrowed it from the library, but I have to say that Kian isn't reaching for it as much as for '10 reasons to love a lion', 'Big Cats' or 'Tigress'. He likes the large, spectacular photographs of lions in it, though.
It is a good book, but I have to mention that there is a large-scale photo of a lion biting into zebra's neck in it, as well as information that lions sometimes eat people. It may be difficult to look at for very young kids.
'TIGRESS' NICK DOWSON AND JANE CHAPMAN
'ANIMAL KINGDOM' STEVE PARKER & MARTIN WALTERS
I found it in a charity shop, and it is one of my favourite finds of all time. I can not recommend it highly enough.
'CHILDREN'S PICTURE ATLAS' USBORNE
'PICTURE DICTIONARY OF NATURE' PURNELL
'NATURE HIDE & SEEK: JUNGLES' JOHN NORRIS WOOD & KEVIN DEAN
'KINGFISHER CONCISE FIELD GUIDE TO ANIMALS & PLANTS OF BRITAIN AND EUROPE' MICHAEL CHINERY
'TELL ME WHY' CHANCELLOR PRESS
We have an old (2001) edition, but there are definitely plenty of similar, more modern versions available.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to see you again next Friday, 6th November at 6 PM. I will talk all about the wild cats' activities I prepared for my son.
Have a great day!
Gosia x
It looks like you have some really good resources there to use, I look forward to seeing what activities you'll come up with. Mich x
ReplyDeleteThese look like some fantastic books for helping to teach children about big cats. I will definitely be checking back to see the activities.
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