The Animal Rescue Agency #1: Case File: Little Claws
#1 of 2 in The Animal Rescue Agency Series
on Goodreads (222)
What’s inside...
When a polar bear cub becomes trapped on an ice floe, his mother seeks help from the Animal Rescue Agency, led by Esquire Fox and her chicken business manager, Mr. Pepper. They travel to the Arctic and uncover that the cub's predicament was not an accident. In their mission to rescue him, they face the most dangerous predator of all: a human. New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer introduces a delightful and dynamic animal duo in a race against time to save a polar bear cub in the first book of this hilarious and heartwarming middle grade series about friendship and conservation. When an animal is in trouble, there's only one place to turn: the Animal Rescue Agency! Dashing Esquire Fox used to organize the world's most elaborate chicken raids until the day she encountered Mr. Pepper. Meeting the blustery old rooster changed her heart, convincing her to turn from a life of crime and instead form the Animal Rescue Agency, which masterminds rescue operations across the globe. Esquire and her unlikely chicken business manager coordinate their far-flung agents to get them to the Arctic. In that frozen land they learn that what happened to the polar bear cub was no accident--and that saving him will pit them against the scariest predator in the world: a human.
Character compass
Esquire Fox
Little Claws
Mr. Pepper
Discussion points
What do you think made Esquire Fox want to help animals in need?
How did the actions of the characters show the importance of teamwork and compassion?
What would you do if you encountered an animal that needed help?
How do you think the story would change if there was no Animal Rescue Agency?
What qualities do you admire in Esquire Fox and Mr. Pepper?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring characters to life, adjusting your voice for different characters to maintain your child's interest.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story, enhancing their analytical thinking skills.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character. This promotes creativity and helps them connect visually with the story.
Relate the book's situations to your child’s experiences, such as teamwork in school projects or caring for a pet, to make the story more relatable and meaningful.
Discuss the moral lessons of compassion and bravery highlighted in the book to reinforce these values in your child’s everyday behavior.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Through the story of animals needing rescue, children learn about the feelings and challenges of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by recognizing when a friend or classmate is upset and offering comfort or help.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to solve problems, illustrating the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to cooperate with peers in group projects or sports, understanding that combined efforts often lead to success.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonists encounter various challenges that they must think creatively to overcome, promoting critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can use these skills to navigate everyday obstacles, whether in academic settings or in social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Importance of animal welfare
Explanation: The book highlights the needs and rights of animals, encouraging respect for all living beings.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to treat pets with care and to understand the responsibilities involved in caring for animals.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: As the characters tackle daunting rescues, they demonstrate bravery, inspiring readers to face their own fears.
Real-World Application: This can help children feel more confident in trying new activities and advocating for themselves or others in challenging situations.