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Getting to Know Critters: First Animal Encyclopedia

by Debi Huang

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.

Getting to know critters: First Animal Encyclopedia

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.
First Animal Encyclopedia

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.

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About Debi Huang

Los Angeles based family nature expert sharing family-friendly outdoor trips in LA since 2009.  Contributor at NaturePlayTrips.com.

Comments

  1. Debi says

    March 28, 2013 at 9:17 pm

    Thank you, Snowbird. 🙂

  2. Debi says

    March 28, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    It's lovely to meet you, Melissa! Thanks for the invite – I'm heading over to check out your post now.

  3. Debi says

    March 28, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    Sounds like our kiddos have a common interest! Glad to hear you've tried so many of the activities. We're working on our animal photo book at the moment & it's tons of fun so far.

  4. snowbird says

    March 26, 2013 at 10:00 am

    I think it's wonderful that you are encouraging you son to enjoy and appreciate animals.xxxxx

  5. Melissa says

    March 26, 2013 at 2:21 am

    I stumbled upon your blog via Pinterest and I am really enjoying reading it. I love the DK Encyclopedias, but I haven&#39;t seen this one. It looks great. I am hosting a new nonfiction reading link party called Keeping it Real and it would be great if you could share this post with us. <br />http://honeybeebooksblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/keeping-it-real-roald-dahl-biography.html

  6. Suja Balaji says

    March 26, 2013 at 1:07 am

    We love this and our &quot; My first book of animals&quot; It was my now 4 year old&#39;s &quot;bedtime book&quot; (!!)for REALLY long time. Still is every now and then. I love all your recommended activities. We have done everything expect the photo book.

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Meet Debi

Los Angeles based family nature expert sharing family-friendly outdoor trips in LA since 2009.  Contributor at NaturePlayTrips.com.

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