If you’ve been a reader of our blog for any length of time, you know we love the children’s books from Chicago Review Press because they have loads of activity suggestions to extend learning. Let’s take a look at the newest title in their Young Naturalist series, Mammal Mania: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Mammals by Lisa J. Amstutz.
Although mammals are familiar animals, we might not always study them in a structured, scientific way. Lisa Amstutz’s text covers everything young readers will want to know:
- What a mammal is
- Some unique anatomical features
- What they eat and what food webs they are part of
- Where mammals live
- How they communicate
- What we can do to protect mammals
Are any mammals venomous? How long can vampire bats go without food? How many species of mammals have gone extinct in the last 50 years? You will find the answers to these questions and many more.
Each chapter features three activity suggestions. For example, in chapter ten about “How You Can Help,” readers can build a squirrel feeder or learn about their state mammal.
The back matter includes a glossary, a list of the mammal orders, online resources, and a bibliography. Also included is a “Teacher’s Guide” with two pages of additional ideas for research topics and activities.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Mammal Mania would be a great gift for educators who need well-organized information and age-appropriate activity ideas for science lessons. It would also thrill budding zoologists and be a wonderful addition to any library.
Related:
It may seem redundant to offer activity suggestions for a book filled with them, but to celebrate the book:
- Plan a trip to your local zoo or natural history museum.
- Check out our previous post about beavers.
- Visit Lisa Amstutz’s website.
Reading age : 7 – 9 years
Publisher : Chicago Review Press (April 20, 2021)
ISBN-10 : 1641604360
ISBN-13 : 978-1641604369
Disclosure: Reviewed a digital uncorrected ARC provided by the publisher. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.
Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.
