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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them



Last updated Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Author: J.K. Rowling and Newt Scamander
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 1338132318
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2018

Synopsis: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander's classic compendium of magical creatures, has delighted generations of wizarding readers. Now, in this updated edition with a new foreword by Newt himself and the unveiling of six mysterious beasts outside the American wizarding community, muggles too have the chance to discover where the Thunderbird lives, what the Puffskein eats, and why shiny objects should always be kept away from the Niffler.

Note to readers:
•  There is a possibility that the kids might be unfamiliar with Harry Potter. If necessary, you might want to provide a little background.
•  Suggested sections to read: Introduction (About This Book, A Brief History of Muggle Awareness of Fantastic Beasts, Magical Beasts in Hiding), and selections from An A-Z of Fantastic Beasts (see below for suggestions)
•  Suggestions for fantastic beasts to read about: basilisk, bowtruckles, centaur, dragon, fairy, gnome, griffin, hippogriff, leprechaun, manticore, phoenix, unicorn, yeti
•  Hear and see this book read aloud on YouTube

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you ever read, or seen, the Harry Potter books/movies?
•  Did you see the movie Fantastic Beasts and where to find them?
•  Do you remember any of the magical beasts from these books/movies?

Vocabulary

•  Retrospect (xiv) thinking about the past or something that happened in the past
•  Edict (pg xv) an official order given by a person with power
•  Muggle (pg xxiv) non-magical person
•  Inexactitude (pg xxiv) lack of accuracy or precision
•  Acrimonious (pg xxvi) angry and bitter
•  Conspicuous (pg xxx) very easy to see or notice

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you think magical beasts might really exist?
•  What are the ways that the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures deal with conspicuous beasts?
•  Which is your favorite beast from the book?

Craft ideas:
•  Make up, name, and draw your own magical beast.
•  Make a paper lantern with different beast designs.
•  Create spooky hand puppets that look like they can talk.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/october-2018-halloween-magic-monsters/

Special activities:
•  Search on Google for pictures of some of the magical beasts you read about.

*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!