Wild Animals–They’re Closer Than You Think
Do you live in nature? Eighty percent (80%) of Americans who live in urban areas may say “no,” but according to the National Environmental Education Foundation, the answer is actually YES!
“Nature may be a nice place to visit, but we don’t live there. Or do we? . . . Even when we pave it over, nature still surrounds us.” —National Environmental Education Foundation
Nature is all around us–even in the city! Help students discover the many animals that live near them with Wild Ones: Observing City Critters.
“Wild Ones reminds us that no matter where we live, we share space with animals, and our encounters with them can be awe-inspiring,” says Seth Magle of the Urban Wildlife Institute at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo.
“The main character is Scooter, a dog who wanders away from home. Readers are invited to follow Scooter’s neighborhood travels and use their senses to discover city wildlife.
Scooter uses his eyes, ears, and nose to help detect wildlife around him. On a few occasions he even uses his sense of touch and taste, too!” Read more of this review at the The Branch, the Project Leaning Tree newsletter.
Resources for Teachers and Parents–free downloads
- Using the illustrations and the additional information in the back of the book, use this lesson to help children identify how each of the animals gets its basic needs met in the city. It meets NGSS and Common Core standards.
- Learn how to see more animals in your area by following the tips is How to See More City Critters.
- Discover the “dos” and “don’ts” of interacting with city wildlife in How to Be a Good Neighbor to Wildlife.
- Make some yummy dog treats at home with Scooter’s favorite recipe. They’re easy to make and, oh, so good!
“This beautiful book teaches that when we wander in the urban ecosystem we are not just observers, but also observed by the many wonderful creatures that surround us every day.” —Lyanda Lynn Haupt, author, The Urban Bestiary
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