What's for Dinner?
How Animals Live Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Mr. Hippopotamus, Mrs. Whale, and Mr. Crocodile describe their dinner-time choices. On board pages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
8 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each character might like to eat for dinner and why?
How do you think the characters felt when they couldn’t decide what to make for dinner?
If you were in the story, what dinner would you suggest they all cook together?
What are some ways the characters could have solved their problem without arguing?
How do you feel when you help make dinner at home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the dinner dilemmas in the book, relating them to their own mealtime preferences and experiences.
Ask your child to imagine what each character’s kitchen might look like and what kind of utensils and ingredients they might use, enhancing their creative thinking.
Discuss the importance of cooperation and teamwork in meal planning and preparation, drawing parallels to family meals at home.
Highlight the diversity of food choices depicted in the book, and explore with your child the cultural or personal reasons behind different food preferences.
Use the book’s theme to plan a family cooking night where everyone can contribute to making a meal, just like in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Healthy Eating
Explanation: The story revolves around a young rabbit learning about different types of healthy foods while preparing dinner with its family.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by making healthier food choices and understanding the benefits of a balanced diet in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: Throughout the book, the rabbit family spends quality time together while cooking, emphasizing the importance of family togetherness.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in cooking meals with their families, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The young rabbit takes on the task of helping to prepare the dinner, learning how to be responsible and contribute to family chores.
Real-World Application: Children can mirror this behavior by taking on small responsibilities at home, such as setting the table or helping in meal preparation.
Example Lesson: Trying New Things
Explanation: The book shows the rabbit being hesitant about new foods but eventually enjoying them once bravely trying them.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be open to experimenting with new activities or foods, thus broadening their horizons.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: The rabbit follows a recipe which teaches the importance of following instructions to achieve a desired outcome.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of following directions, whether in cooking, assembling toys, or during classroom activities.