Are you hoping to teach your children about kangaroos and marsupials in general this year? Do you already have books about the intriguing creature in your Pre-K classroom’s collection? If not, you may want to hop on over to your local library and check out one of these:
“Nat Geo Wild Animal Atlas: Earth’s Astonishing Animals and Where They Live”
When it comes to giving the children an introductory look at kangaroos, I’d recommend combining three books. The first is National Geographic’s “Nat Geo Wild Animal Atlas: Earth’s Astonishing Animals and Where They Live.” It contains an informative section on kangaroos as well as color photographs. I’d suggest pairing it with Nic Bishop’s book “Marsupials” and Diane Swanson’s “Welcome to the World of Kangaroos.” Bishop’s and Swanson’s books contain great pictures too. Swanson’s book also provides age appropriate information about the kangaroo’s physical characteristics, habitat and behavior.
“Marsupial Sue”
John Lithgow’s book “Marsupial Sue” has some classroom value too. Its storyline focuses on a kangaroo that doesn’t like to hop. The author also manages to use the storyline to touch upon issues related to individuality. The book is typically sold with a music CD and the lyrics to a cute little song. Thus, I’d suggest using it as part of a music or dramatic play activity.
“Malu Kangaroo”
If you also plan on teaching your children about folktales this year, I’d recommend going with Judith Morecroft’s book “Malu Kangaroo.” Its storyline is based on a folktale about a surfing kangaroo. Therefore, the children may find it entertaining. You could feasibly use the book to spark discussions about geography or other Australian folktales that involve animals.
“A Kangaroo Grows Up”
Amanda Doering Tourville’s book “A Kangaroo Grows Up” is worthy of consideration as well. As the book’s title indicates, its storyline focuses on the life cycle of a kangaroo. I found the book’s illustrations attractive and the text engaging. You may want to consider pairing it with Laurence Bourguignon’s book “Heart in the Pocket”, David Ezra Stein’s “Pouch!” and Caroline Arnold’s “A Kangaroo’s World.” All three companion books address the subject of a baby kangaroo leaving its mother’s pouch for the first time.
“10 Kangaroos”
Do you want to include kangaroos into your children’s math lessons too? If so, you may want to check out a copy of Jane Manner’s book “10 Kangaroos.” It would pair well with Marcia Leonard’s book “Counting Kangaroos: A Book about Numbers.” In my opinion, both tomes could be used to kick off a math segment. For example, you could read the books and then hand out the “How Many” worksheet available on the KB Teachers’ website. It features kangaroos and other animals.
“Who Ate All the Cookie Dough?”
Lastly, you may want to read Karen Beaumont’s book “Who Ate All the Cookie Dough?” just for fun. Its storyline focuses on a batch of missing cookie dough and a kangaroo that is determined to discover where it all went. Personally, I thought that the book’s illustrations and flowing text were very amusing. After listening to the story, your children may end up feeling the same way.
Source: Personal Experience
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