How Far Can A Kangaroo Jump
Wild Facts & Amazing Maths

How Far Can A Kangaroo Jump

How Far Can a Kangaroo Jump? is a vibrant and educational picture book written and illustrated by Alison Limentani, published in 2019. This engaging nonfiction book poses the question of how far a kangaroo can jump and uses this inquiry as a springboard to explore the jumping abilities of various other animals. The book is designed for young readers, particularly those aged 3 to 6, and serves as both a counting book and an introduction to concepts of distance and measurement.

The narrative begins with the kangaroo's impressive jump of approximately 9.14 meters (about 30 feet), which is then compared to the leaps of other animals, such as ring-tailed lemurs, frogs, and snow leopards. Each page introduces different synonyms for "jump," enriching the vocabulary of young readers while also providing fun facts about animal capabilities. For instance, it illustrates how many jumps it would take for other animals to cover the same distance as a kangaroo, making it a playful yet informative read.

The book's illustrations are bright and bold, capturing the attention of children and enhancing their learning experience. The final pages include a handy scale ruler that visually represents how far each animal can jump relative to one another, reinforcing mathematical concepts in an accessible way. This feature also allows for discussions about measurements, making it an excellent resource for educators looking to integrate math into their lessons.

Overall, How Far Can a Kangaroo Jump? not only entertains but also encourages curiosity about nature and mathematics, making it a valuable addition to any child's library.

Author: Alison Limentani

Alison Limentani is a children's author and illustrator known for her educational picture books with vibrant illustrations. With a degree in Animal Behavior and experience as a zookeeper and veterinary nurse, she effectively combines her passion for wildlife with storytelling. Her debut book, How Much Does a Ladybird Weigh?, was acclaimed and featured in the New York Public Library’s Best Books for Kids list in 2016. Limentani's work focuses on themes like counting, comparisons, and nature, making her books entertaining and educational for young readers.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Boxer Books Limited
  • Format: Hardback
  • Print length: 32 pages
  • Dimensions: 24.4 x 0.5 x 24.5 cm
  • Reading age: 3-6 years old
  • Publication date: 3 July 2019
  • ISBN: 978-1910716809

Read alongside these topics:

What sort of role do kangaroo's play in their wider environment?

Author: Alison Limentani

Kangaroos play a crucial role in Australia's ecosystems, significantly influencing vegetation dynamics, biodiversity, and the overall health of their habitats. As herbivores, they primarily graze on grasses and shrubs, which helps control plant growth and maintain a balanced ecosystem. By selectively feeding on certain species, kangaroos prevent the overdominance of particular plants, thus promoting biodiversity and aiding in the regeneration of native flora.

In addition to their grazing habits, kangaroos contribute to seed dispersal. When they consume fruits and seeds, these are often excreted in different locations, facilitating the spread of various plant species across their range. This natural process supports forest regeneration and helps maintain plant diversity. Furthermore, their feces enrich the soil with essential nutrients, improving soil quality and structure, which benefits other plants and animals in the ecosystem.

Kangaroos are also integral to the food web. They serve as prey for various predators, including dingoes and large birds of prey. This predator-prey dynamic is vital for regulating predator populations and maintaining ecological balance. Additionally, kangaroos have adapted well to Australia's harsh climate, conserving water effectively and thus minimizing competition for scarce resources during droughts.

Culturally, kangaroos hold significant importance for Indigenous Australians, symbolizing strength and resilience in their stories and art. Their presence is not only ecologically beneficial but also culturally enriching, highlighting the deep connections between these animals and human communities. However, kangaroo populations face challenges from habitat loss and climate change, making their conservation essential for sustaining both ecological integrity and cultural heritage in Australia.

For a year 1 Maths class does How Far Can A Kangaroo Jump have any value?

In a Year 1 Maths class, the book "How Far Can A Kangaroo Jump?" can be a valuable educational tool. Here are several reasons why:

Educational Value

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  • Counting and Comparison: The book is designed as a counting resource that engages children in learning numbers through fun comparisons of animal jumps. It counts up to ten, using various animals to illustrate how many jumps it would take each to cover the same distance as a kangaroo jump.
  • Understanding Distances: It introduces concepts of distance in a relatable way. For instance, it explains that one kangaroo jump is equivalent to two ringtailed lemur leaps, helping children grasp the idea of measurement through familiar animals.
  • Visual Learning: The bright illustrations and bold backgrounds make it visually appealing for young learners, which can enhance their engagement and retention of information.
  • Synonyms and Vocabulary: The book also teaches synonyms for "jump," expanding children's vocabulary while they learn about mathematics and distances.

Practical Application

  • Real-Life Context: By discussing actual jumping distances of kangaroos and other animals, the book connects mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios, making learning more meaningful for children.
  • Interactive Learning: The inclusion of a scale ruler at the end of the book allows children to visualize and compare the jumping distances of different animals, encouraging interactive learning and exploration.

In conclusion, "How Far Can A Kangaroo Jump?" serves as an engaging and educational resource that effectively combines mathematics with fun animal facts, making it suitable for Year 1 students.

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