National Geographic Kids: Animal Architects

Why do beavers build dams?  And how do spiders weave their webs?  This book will show you birds, insects, and mammals that all share a special skill!

Discovery Questions

After your child receives and reads this book, Discuss one or more of the following questions to help him/her make connections and build comprehension.

• Which one of these animal architects did you find the most fascinating? Why? Talk about it with a parent.
• Native Americans considered it bad luck to kill a spider in the house. What are the pros and cons of living with spiders? Make a list. Share your list with a parent.
• Research the Sociable Weaver birds of South Africa. The nests they build are like apartment buildings. What are they like inside that mass of straw and grass? Draw a picture of their nests.
• Collect some twigs, glue, mud, and straw. See if you can build a bird's nest.

Book Details