Gus's Rainforest Adventure

Written by Janice Marino, Megan Hunt, Connie Reed, Terry Ferro, and Helen Virga from the Davis School in Brockton, MA

Illustrated by Melissa Claire Henry

It is important to talk to children and ask them questions about stories. In this book, the coaches, Pedro, Hali, and Monty give examples of how to help children make predictions, make connections, retell the story, think about how the characters are feeling and talk about the pictures.

On this first page the coaches talk about the rainforest and how it is different from our homes. This helps the child establish a picture of the setting.

I see this story is about a rain forest. Let's talk about how the rain forest is different from where you live.

Look at the picture and think about how the picture is different from your home?

I see a lot of trees, plants and wild animals in this picture. I live in the city where there are streets, tall buildings and only small animals.