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The Magic Tree House Series

Good Morning, Gorillas

illustrations by
3.93
on Goodreads (8,364)

What’s inside...

The magic tree house takes Jack and Annie to an African rainforest, where the siblings encounter gorillas and learn to communicate with them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
71 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think it would be like to meet a gorilla in the jungle?
How did Annie and Jack feel when they first met the gorillas, and how did their feelings change throughout the story?
What did Annie and Jack learn from their adventure with the gorillas?
Why is it important to learn about and understand animals like gorillas?
If you could ask the gorillas one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the relationship between the human characters and the gorillas, focusing on how they communicate and learn from each other.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding of wildlife. Discuss the ways humans and animals can coexist harmonically.
After reading, consider watching a documentary about gorillas together to enhance the learning experience and deepen the conversation.
Use the book as an opportunity to explore broader themes like adventure, courage, and the value of exploring new cultures and environments.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: In 'Good Morning, Gorillas', the main characters, Jack and Annie, learn to adapt to new surroundings as they find themselves in the African jungle. They quickly learn the behaviors of gorillas and adapt to their environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being adaptable is crucial when facing new situations or environments, such as moving to a new school or meeting new friends.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: Throughout the story, Jack and Annie learn to communicate with gorillas using simple gestures and signs, highlighting the importance of non-verbal communication.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of diverse modes of communication, stressing that understanding can extend beyond spoken language, especially in interacting with those who might have different communication abilities.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The characters develop a deep empathy for the gorillas as they live among them, understanding their habits and the challenges they face in their natural habitat.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathy by relating to and understanding the feelings and perspectives of others, a skill that is vital in nurturing kindness and consideration.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Despite initial fears, Jack and Annie muster courage to interact closely with the gorillas, which leads to a rewarding experience.
Real-World Application: This example encourages children to face their fears and step out of their comfort zones, advocating for personal growth and bravery in unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story promotes a message of conservation and respect for wildlife, as the children learn about the gorillas' roles in the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: It instills a sense of responsibility towards the environment, encouraging children to engage in conservation efforts and respect all forms of life.