To the Parent:Reading with your child.
Reading with your children is a powerful teaching tool. Children as young as three have enjoyed the book. They are quickly drawn to the colourful illustrations. They are intrigued by Mother Earth, the animals and the story itself. All children can relate to being sick. Developing empathy for Mother Earth and the animals is the purpose for the story. How can we teach our children to take care of our precious Earth and its creatures? This is a start. Enjoy retelling in your own words. Children are naturally inquisitive; they ask many questions. This is a good way to begin the dialogue about how we can care for our precious Earth. Read aloud, read together, take turns reading, retell the story in your own words, have your child retell the story in their own words using the pictures to guide them. Use the back pages to guide your discussions.
