Meet the Mini-Mammals: A Night at the Natural History Museum
What’s inside...
PreS-Gr 3–This picture book explores the world of the smallest mammals, guided by a black-footed ferret. It provides a detailed look at each mammal's size, weight, and other facts, with vivid illustrations depicting the animals in their natural habitats. A galago, for example, weighs about the same as a softball and uses urine on its feet to grip branches. The book concludes with a map showing the habitat range of each animal and additional information about them.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to spend a night in a museum? How would you feel?
Which mini-mammal was your favorite and why?
How do you think the mini-mammals feel about their home in the museum?
What did you learn about the habits of any mini-mammal in the book?
If you could ask one of the mini-mammals a question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe a night in the museum, enhancing creative thinking.
Discuss the characteristics of each mini-mammal in the book to deepen understanding.
Ask your child how they would feel in various scenarios presented in the book to foster empathy.
Explore more about the mini-mammals’ natural habitats and behaviors using child-friendly resources or visits to a local museum.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book showcases various mini-mammals exploring the vast and wondrous spaces of a natural history museum, igniting curiosity and a sense of adventure.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to ask questions and explore diverse subjects and places, enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The mini-mammals must work together to navigate the large museum, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and helping each other.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of working cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or team sports, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Respect for History and Nature
Explanation: Through their night at the museum, the mini-mammals learn about different historical periods and the natural world, promoting respect and appreciation for both.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to visit museums, engage with educational programs, and participate in environmental conservation efforts, deepening their appreciation for cultural heritage and nature.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the mini-mammals encounter various challenges that require creative problem-solving skills to overcome.
Real-World Application: Children can apply critical thinking and creative solutions to everyday challenges, enhancing their decision-making skills and confidence.