Animal Sidekicks
illustrations by
on Goodreads (50)
What’s inside...
Macken Murphy, host of the popular animal podcast Species, introduces his favourite symbiotic relationships in his first kids' non-fiction book, Animal Sidekicks. Along the way he explains the cool science behind the baffling behaviour of some animals - from friendly alliances to more peculiar partnerships. This book has been recognized as an NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students, highlighting its educational significance and accuracy.
Age
8-10
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which animal sidekick was your favorite and why?
How do you think the animals help their human friends in the stories?
Can you imagine what it would be like to have one of the animals as your sidekick? What would you do together?
What qualities make a good sidekick? Do you see any of those qualities in your friends or yourself?
Which story would you like to be a part of and what role would you play?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the qualities of a good friend or sidekick by relating the characters to their own experiences.
Ask your child to draw or describe an imaginary sidekick and discuss the adventures they could have together.
Create a fun atmosphere by using playful voices for different characters during the storytelling, enhancing the experience for your child.
After reading, connect the stories to real life by discussing how animals help humans in everyday life and the importance of caring for animals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: In 'Animal Sidekicks', various animals team up and cooperate to solve problems, demonstrating the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to collaborate and share with their friends and siblings in school or during playtime.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book showcases different animals in their natural habitats, highlighting the importance of respecting and caring for the environment.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be mindful of their environment, encouraging them to take part in activities such as recycling, conserving water, or planting trees.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The animal characters face various challenges that they overcome through clever and creative solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and creatively in their own lives, whether it's figuring out how to share toys or completing a difficult school assignment.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The characters often venture into unknown territories or face larger predators, showing bravery in daunting situations.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their fears and try new things, whether it's trying out for a sports team, participating in a school play, or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, the animals show compassion towards each other, helping out in tough situations regardless of their differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be kind and empathetic towards others, understanding and appreciating differences in people around them.