SLOTH TO THE RESCUE by Leanne Shirtliffe & Rob McClurkan - a story about stepping out of your comfort zone

 

Why this book?

As a person who feels shy about new experiences, I could relate to Sloth and his desire to help his friend while at the same time feeling nervous and worried.  In this story, Sloth's friend Patti leaves an important notebook at the Animal Rainforest Rescue Center. Sloth decides to bring it back to her, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zone. 

I loved the way Sloth could rely on friends to help, as well as using strategies to stay calm. The illustrations are colourful and detailed, and the animal faces are so expressive!

 

My thoughts as a creator:

This would be a great mentor text if you're trying to incorporate social emotional learning into a story that has a classic problem and solution plot. 

My thoughts as an educator:

I really liked how even though Sloth was feeling stressed, they were kind to their friends and pointed out how their friends' strengths could help them get through a part of the journey to find Patti. This book would be great for introducing discussions about problem-solving and strategies for feeling calm. 

Ages: 3 - 7

Grades: Prek - 3

Connections: new experiences, problem-solving, feelings, belly-breathing, rainforest animals, helping friends, first day of school

Activities:

Create - Have students choose a favourite animal and write or draw a picture of what would happen if that animal came to school. Questions to think about: What is your animal good at? How would that help them in a tricky situation?

Math - Count all the different animals in the story. How many are there? 

Social-Emotional Learning - Practice belly breathing. Make a poster for a calm down corner in your classroom that reminds others to try belly breathing when they feel stressed.  

More resources:

Learn to belly breathe with Rosita from Sesame Street:

One Green Planet gives us a peek at how to teach an injured sloth how to crawl again. 

Description from the publisher:

At the Rainforest Rescue Center, Sloth loves when Patti comes to visit. But when Patti forgets her class report, it’s up to Sloth, with the help of his other (faster) rain-forest friends, to return Patti’s notebook to her-at school! Will they be able to find her among all the other kids in a new environment?

The first day of school can be scary-especially if you forget your summer assignment-but in Sloth to the Rescue,Sloth, Peccary, Boa, Capuchin, and Ocelot overcome their fears and realize that what makes them unique is what helps them fit right in!

Sloth to the Rescue by Leanne Shirtliffe & Rob McClurkan was published by Running Press Kids in 2019.

For more wonderful picture books, visit Perfect Picture Book Friday at Susanna Leonard Hill's website.