Elementary Library

Resource & Discussion Guide

Cute as an Axolotl: Discovering the World’s Most Adorable Animals by Jess Keating (591.47 KEA) Introduces seventeen adorable critters, and shows the cuteness--in any species--is more than skin deep. Discussion Prompts: ●​ Before reading..: What does the word “cute” mean? Can you explain what makes something cute? ●​ How does the size or the shape of an animal affect how you think about it? ●​ Would any of these animals be a good pet? Which one, and why? ●​ Choose an adaptation and describe how the adaptation is helpful to that animal. Is this an adaptation you would like to have? ●​ Did any animals you read about make you curious to learn more? How can you use the information the author provided to conduct your own research? Mars! Earthlings Welcome by Stacy McAnulty (523.43 MCA) Meet Mars! The red planet. Planet Marvelous. Favorite sibling of Earth (or so he claims). Sometimes they're close (just 34.5 million miles apart). Sometimes they need space (250 million miles apart)! Earth and Mars have a lot in common--clouds, mountains, polar ice caps. And while Earth has Earthlings, Mars makes a persuasive case for why people should make the journey to spend time with him. His day is 7 minutes longer! He is home to the largest volcano in the whole solar system. He's, well, marvelous.

Discussion Prompts:

●​ How is Mars similar to Earth? ●​ How is Mars different from Earth? ●​ What would you do with the extra 7 minutes of Mars’ day? ●​ What is the most interesting thing you learned about Mars today? ●​ What is one thing you would like to learn more about Mars? ●​ What would you need to visit Mars?

Play in the Wild: How Baby Animals Like to Have Fun by Lita Judge (591.5 JUD) Why do animals play? With thoughtful text and sweetly realistic watercolor art, author and illustrator Lita Judge explores the importance of play in the animal kingdom. She shows how play teaches animals to defend themselves and survive in the wild. More adorably, Judge highlights how animals make friends—and also forgive. Grounded in detailed research, Play in the Wild is sure to captivate young readers while giving them an informative peek into the world around them.

Discussion Prompts: ●​ Before reading: Why do you think play is important for animals? ●​ How do chimpanzees ask to play? How do you ask to play?

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