Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers: How Animals Adapt in Winter by Jessica Kulekjian is a captivating non-fiction book. This text would be a perfect addition to any classroom, especially during seasonal changes in the fall and winter.

One of the standout features of this book is the wealth of incredible facts it presents on every page. Readers will be intrigued by the remarkable ways animals adapt to the challenges of winter. From hiders like eastern box turtles to seekers like the migrating Canadian geese and keepers like red foxes, this book categorizes animals in a way that even the youngest of learners can understand.

The text seamlessly connects to Ontario’s Science curriculum at multiple grade levels. Whether it’s exploring the needs and characteristics of living things in Grade 1, diving into habitats and communities in Grade 4, or delving into biodiversity in Grade 6, this book aligns perfectly with various strands. In terms of the Kindergarten program, this book supports all four frames of learning. It fosters a sense of belonging and contributing by helping children understand how animals adapt to winter, and promotes self-regulation and well-being by teaching empathy and resilience through animal stories. It also contributes to demonstrating literacy and mathematics behaviours by providing opportunities to explore the structure of informational texts and patterns in nature. Lastly, it encourages problem-solving and innovating by prompting critical thinking and discussions about animal adaptations.

The text is not only informative but accessible, making it a valuable resource for early learners. The beautiful descriptions of how animals change during winter and fun facts will engage young learners and spark curiosity about the natural world. The book also includes an animal track guide in the back, author’s notes, and additional resources for educators facilitating deeper exploration of the topics covered.

Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers is an excellent companion for outdoor learning and investigation as it encourages young readers to observe and appreciate the wonders of the world around them.

Angelique Thompson is a member of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto.