Bücher der Reihe Think About...

Does a duck have a daddy? Does a butterfly, or a beaver? Do you? All animals have daddies, but not all animals need their daddies after birth. This book tells you about animals who don't need parents after birth and those who do.

This title explores and explains that while every animal sleeps, only some have beds. A funny, kid-like question ("Does a beaver sleep in a bed?") is paired with a silly scenario (a beaver gnawing at a headboard). A turn of the page reveals the answer, a picture of the critter in an authentic setting (a beaver asleep in his lodge), and a few facts about that animal's sleepytime habits and habitat. The pattern follows with a baboon, polar bear, bumblebee, horse, and dog, culminating with people in different kinds of beds. A final "Think About" spread presents kids, parents, and teachers with activities that relate to and extend each book's subject matter.

This title in the Think About... series explores and explains that while animals can do and learn some things, only people can fully participate in all the things that happen at school. A funny, kid-like question ("Does an armadillo go to school?") is shown with a silly scenario (armadillo seated in a story circle), and a few thoughts and facts about that animal's non-school-oriented habits (e.g., an armadillo can't sit and listen to a story). A panda and ostrich are also featured. Then we see what a chimp could (painting, snack time, monkey bars!) and could not do (read, sing, say words) at school. A final "think about" spread presents kids, parents, and teachers with activities that relate to and extend each book's subject matter.

Does a Seal Smile? explores the ways and meanings of body and facial expressions in wild animals, chimps, and people. A funny, kid-like question ("Does a coyote smile?") is shown with a realistic scenario (coyote howling), and thoughts/facts about how animals express themselves (e.g., a coyote's howl might mean "come here!"). Chimps are featured next, and a link is made to shared forms of human expression. Next, waves, smiles, frowns, hugs, kisses, handshakes, and common greeting expressions show how humans express what they want, think, and feel, and how we connect with one another. A final spread offers activities that further extend a child's grasp of the featured topic.

With a friendly and funny question-and-answer format that compares people and animals, this book provides the perfect vehicle for introducing children to experiences they all encounter as they grow and develop. While a pig might not use a toilet and a lion may abstain from using a toothbrush, exaggerated humor leads perfectly to the fact that these are functions each child needs to master.