Getting to Know Critters: First Animal Encyclopedia

At 4.5 years old, The Little Explorer is a big fan of animals. As you might imagine, I’m doing everything I can to support, encourage and further that interest.

First up: Finding him a good book about animals. Enter DK Publishing. At 2, he loved My First Animal Board Book, so I figured the school-age version, First Animal Encyclopedia, wouldn’t disappoint.

The book: First Animal Encyclopedia is organized into five sections: mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, creepy-crawlies and fish. Within each section, there is information about parenting, daily life, courtship, defense and eating habits. The reference section includes animal fun facts such as the largest, the smallest, the loudest, the fastest and the tallest critters. Multiple full-color photographs are standard in DK publications and keep each section vibrant and visually appealing for kids.

First Animal Encyclopedia is part of the DK First Reference Series and is intended for kids 6 and older (grades 2 to 5). But I gotta tell you: We’re loving it.

Animal activities for kids: First Animal Encyclopedia is packed with lots of interesting facts about all kinds of animals. Some ways you can personalize the learning:

• Talk about what animals live in your neighborhood. What animals (or signs of animals) do you see in your yard or neighborhood? Which animals only come out at night?

• Head outside! There are plenty of animals to discover in your own backyard. Do some backyard bird watching, go on a bug hunt or take a micro safari.

• Create an inviting space for wildlife. Invite birds to your yard or build a bug world to bring wildlife into your outdoor space.

• Temporarily adopt a backyard critter. The Big Explorer has been bringing critters from the backyard into our house since forever. There was the roly-poly terrarium, the caterpillars we adopted and released as butterflies, countless crickets and moths – even a praying mantis. Just be sure to release your critters back to their outdoor home.

• Create your own animal photo book. Gather photos you’ve taken in your backyard, neighborhood, on the trail or at a local zoo. Place them in a scrapbook and add your own age-appropriate details.

• Visit a local zoo (or a wildlife learning center). Zoos and wildlife learning facilities provide access to animals that kids might not otherwise see.

Note: I purchased First Animal Encyclopedia for personal use. All opinions expressed are my own – and those of The Explorers. You can read my complete disclosure policy for more information.