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Actual Size



Last updated Monday, April 8, 2019

Author: Steve Jenkins
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 9780618375943
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2019

Synopsis: How big is a crocodile? What about a tiger, or the world’s largest spider? Can you imagine a tongue that is two feet long or an eye that’s bigger than your head? Sometimes facts and figures don’t tell the whole story. Sometimes you need to see things for yourself—at their actual size.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you ever been to a zoo or aquarium?
•  What do you think is the biggest or smallest animal?
•  Do a picture walk of the glossary at the end of the book to show smaller versions of the animals first.

Vocabulary

•  enormous - huge
•  dim - not bright
•  Goliath - someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful
•  pygmy - an animal of unusually small size.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you seen any of the animals in this book in real life?
•  Does the size of these animals make them more or less scary or interesting?
•  What would happen if a human was as big as a giant squid? as small as a dwarf goby?
•  Which animal from the book are closest to humans in size?

Craft ideas:
•  Using cut-outs or drawings, recreate one of the animals in the book.
•  Make an Earth Day card.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/april-2019-crafts/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!