The Squirrels' Busy Year
A Science Storybook about the Seasons

Squirrels Busy Year

The Squirrels' Busy Year: A Science Storybook about the Seasons is a delightful children's book written by Martin Jenkins and illustrated by Richard Jones, published by Candlewick Press. This engaging story follows the lives of squirrels throughout the four seasons, highlighting their activities and behaviors as they adapt to changes in their environment. Aimed at young readers, the book serves as an introduction to nature and seasonal changes, teaching children about the importance of food storage and survival strategies in animals.

The narrative is structured around each season: in winter, the squirrels dig up acorns to sustain themselves during the cold months; spring brings new growth and lively activities; summer focuses on gathering food and preparing for future challenges; and fall concludes with preparations for winter, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life. Additionally, the book encourages interactive learning by suggesting STEAM activities, such as collecting natural items like acorns and leaves for sorting by various attributes. This hands-on approach reinforces the scientific concepts presented in the story while fostering curiosity about the natural world. Overall, The Squirrels' Busy Year is an excellent resource for parents and educators looking to introduce young children to essential scientific ideas related to seasons and wildlife.

In The Squirrels' Busy Year: A Science Storybook about the Seasons, the daily routines of squirrels are depicted through a charming narrative that illustrates their seasonal activities and behaviors. The book begins in winter, where the squirrels are shown digging up acorns to eat, emphasizing their foraging habits during colder months when food is scarce. As the seasons change, the story transitions to spring, highlighting how squirrels engage in activities like gathering food and preparing for the future.

Throughout the narrative, the book captures the essence of a squirrel's daily life by illustrating their agility in trees and their need to adapt to environmental changes. For instance, it portrays how they build nests, or dreys, for shelter and warmth, particularly during harsh weather. The book also touches on their social interactions and survival strategies, such as hoarding food for winter and utilizing their keen sense of smell to locate buried nuts. By following these routines across different seasons, the story effectively teaches young readers about the natural behaviors of squirrels while providing an engaging introduction to the concepts of seasonal change and wildlife ecology.

Author: Martin Jenkins

Martin Jenkins is a distinguished British author and conservation biologist, renowned for his engaging children's non-fiction books that explore complex topics in an accessible manner. Born in Surrey in 1959, Jenkins spent his childhood in various countries, including Spain and Ireland, before studying at Cambridge University. His career began in conservation, where he worked for ten years with the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, tackling various environmental issues. Jenkins transitioned to writing children's literature after advising on Walker Books' Animals at Risk series, leading to the publication of numerous acclaimed titles, such as The Emperor's Egg, which won the TES Information Book of the Year Junior Award. His storytelling often intertwines educational content with captivating narratives, making him a prominent figure in children's literature. He resides in Cambridge and continues to inspire young readers through his work, including The Squirrels' Busy Year: A Science Storybook about the Seasons.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
  • Format: Hardback
  • Print length: 32 pages
  • Dimensions: 24 x 0.8 x 27.5 cm
  • Reading age: 5-7 years old
  • Publication date: 4 Jan. 2018
  • ISBN: 978-1406355147

Read alongside these topics:

How can "The Squirrels' Busy Year" help in teaching this free Year 1 Science "Seasons" lesson?

Author: Solicitor Martin Jenkins

"The Squirrels' Busy Year" by Martin Jenkins is an excellent resource for teaching Year 1 Science, particularly the topic of "Seasons." Here’s how it can enhance the lesson:

Engaging Storytelling: Narrative Focus: The book centers around two squirrels and their experiences throughout the four seasons, providing a relatable context for young learners. This narrative approach helps children connect emotionally with the content, making the science of seasons more engaging and memorable.

Visual Learning: Illustrations: The rich and vibrant illustrations change according to the seasons, visually demonstrating how the environment transforms throughout the year. This visual representation aids in understanding concepts like seasonal changes, weather variations, and animal adaptations.

Discussion and Interaction: Questions and Activities: At the end of the book, there are questions designed to prompt discussion and reflection. These can be used to facilitate classroom discussions about what children have learned regarding seasons, encouraging critical thinking and interaction among students.

Supplementary Materials: Activity Sheets: Additional resources such as free activity sheets and worksheets are available, which can reinforce learning through hands-on activities. These materials can help solidify concepts introduced in the book and provide practical applications for students.

Curriculum Alignment: First Science Storybook: As a designated "First Science Storybook," it aligns well with educational standards for early science education, making it a suitable choice for Year 1 curricula focused on natural sciences and environmental studies.

Incorporating "The Squirrels' Busy Year" into a Year 1 Science lesson on seasons not only makes learning enjoyable but also provides a comprehensive framework for understanding seasonal changes in a fun and interactive way.

Discover Hands-On Education