People Are Wild
In this story, a shift in perspective offers readers a unique glimpse into the world of animal families and their observations of creatures in the wild. Curiosity and interest build for readers as they listen to how humans are perceived when they enter an animal’s habitat. Humans are observed being messy, noisy, and sometimes smelly, but also cuddly and funny. Despite the differences between animals and humans, similar characteristics are shared as well, and mother elephant wisely shares that ultimately, all wild creatures should be free. A wealth of facts about each featured animal are included at the end of the book, expanding on behaviors, diets, and habitats. Additionally, a world map illustrates the geographical locations of Northern Fur Seals, Gray Bats, Milkweed Tussock Moths, and others, along with their vulnerability status to becoming endangered. This book may become one that is read and re-read many times. Now wouldn’t that be wild?
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
After reading each line in the story, ask the children to describe the picture, or how they would respond to the question being asked. For example, how are the people being loud, messy, smelly, or strange? Asking these kinds of questions will promote children’s active listening, and help them see likenesses and differences between human and animal behaviors.
Talk with parents about extending the theme in this simple book into their children’s everyday lives. When we meet up with wild animals in our own surroundings, sometimes they intrude upon our lives (groundhogs and rabbits eat our garden vegetables!) and sometimes we intrude upon their lives (investigating bird’s nests too closely). Brainstorm about situations in which we can teach our children to live respectfully and reasonably with the wild animals in our environments. For example, scarecrows are used to warn birds to stay away from gardens.