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Mister Seahorse



Last updated Sunday, July 2, 2023

Author: Eric Carle
Date of Publication: 2004
ISBN: 0399242694
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2023

Synopsis: When Mrs. Seahorse lays her eggs, she does it on Mr. Seahorse's belly! She knows he will take good care of them. While he swims waiting for the eggs to hatch, he meets some other underwater fathers caring for their babies: Mr. Tilapia, who carries his babies in his mouth; Mr. Kurtus, who keeps his on his head; and Mr. Catfish, who is baby-sitting his young hatchlings.

Eric Carle's collage illustrations and story introduces the very young to the wonders of aquatic life . . . and some very special daddies. A "hide and seek" feature with acetate overlays adds a colorful surprise.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Would you want to live in the sea? Why or why not?
•  What are some advantages & disadvantages of being a seahorse?

Vocabulary:

•  Pouch - a natural pocket of skin in some animals that is used to hold and carry the young
•  Reeds - a tall grass with straight, jointed stalks that grows in low, wet areas
•  Coral Reef - a structure that rises up from the bottom of the sea and is made up of the hard skeletons of tiny sea animals named corals.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Where do you think Mister Seahorse is going?
•  How would you protect the eggs?
•  Did the ending of the book surprise you?

Craft ideas:
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2023-amazing-animals/
•  The children could draw an outline of the seahorse and then glue different color papers in it.
•  They could make a hole in their drawings and then put yarn through to make a puppet.

*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!