Books in In the Wild series

?There once was a bear, a moose and a beaver who were the best of friends, though they often disagreed.? So when the three friends go canoeing together one sunny day, it doesn't take long for them to start quarreling with one another. First, they can't decide who should get to steer the canoe. Later, they debate how best to get across a beaver dam that blocks their way. But when they can't agree on the proper course for maneuvering through the white-water rapids they suddenly find themselves in, the consequences become truly perilous. It takes a long, uncomfortable night spent stranded on a rock to remind the bear, the moose and the beaver what they often forget: everything turns out better when they work together as a team. As with his other popular books in the Life in the Wild series, featuring these three lovable animal characters, author-illustrator Nicholas Oldland has created a funny romp of a picture book adventure for young children that will be a favorite choice in the classroom. Oldland's distinctive, simple and playful artwork tells much of the tale on its own, with lots of visual humor in the characters' facial expressions and the numerous asides throughout. At its core, this is a fun, contemporary fable that champions the importance of teamwork, cooperation and communication while also promoting the joys to be found in nature, specifically the wilder parts of the outdoors. This book could serve as an introduction to discussions on animals and their environments in the early grades as well.

Why do animals play?With thoughtful text and sweetly realistic watercolor art, author and illustrator Lita Judge explores the importance of play in the animal kingdom. She shows how play teaches animals to defend themselves and survive in the wild. More adorably, Judge highlights how animals make friends―and also forgive.Grounded in detailed research, Play in the Wild is sure to captivate young readers while giving them an informative peek into the world around them.

A huge bear is wandering through the forest - but wait a minute! Who's that he's hugging? A beaver? And a moose? And a bird? And a tree?Welcome to the world of Big Bear Hug, a contemporary fable about a bear who has an appetite for hugging everything in sight - even creatures that bears have been known to eat. One day, the benevolent bear meets up with a human. This human proceeds to do something the bear cannot understand: he raises his axe and begins to cut down a tree. Suddenly the bear doesn't feel like hugging anymore and must make a difficult decision on how to stop this destruction in his forest.The environmental message of Big Bear Hug is both funny and powerful, while simple enough to engage very young children and show them the awesome power of a hug.

Best friends the bear, the moose and the beaver have been so busy getting ready for Christmas, they have forgotten the most important decoration of all - the Christmas tree! Rushing through the snowy forest, they reject one tree after another. And then they spot it. A pine tree that is just the right size, with soft needles and a wonderful scent - it's perfect! But just as the beaver is about to chop it down, the bear stops him. He can't allow this tree to be harmed, it is simply too beautiful! But the moose and the beaver disagree. Is there a way they can have a perfect Christmas - without chopping down the perfect tree? Part of the popular Life in the Wild picture book series from author-illustrator Nicholas Oldland, this funny romp is, at its heart, a contemporary fable championing the importance of family, friends and traditions while promoting the joys of nature, specifically, the wilder parts of the outdoors. Oldland's distinctive, simple and playful illustrations tell much of the tale on their own, with lots of visual humor in the lovable characters' facial expressions and their numerous asides throughout. The hilarious text and artwork make this book a terrific read-aloud. It would also work to launch a discussion about celebrations and traditions, or about problem-solving and compromising.

The busy but careless beaver spends his days following random impulses, rarely thinking things through and leaving in his wake a devastated forest filled with stumps, half-nibbled trees and injured, homeless animals. But then one day the beaver finds himself on the wrong side of a falling tree, which as it turns out, is just the thing to knock some sense into him. After reflecting on his behavior, he decides to make some changes. Soon, the now wiser and gentler beaver is getting down to the business of making things right, much to the delighted surprise of his forest friends. This charming story from the creator of Big Bear Hug and Making the Moose Out of Life gently teaches youngsters how to take care with others, as well as the world around us.

The VBS 2019 Student Starter Kit includes a reproducible leader guide, DVD-ROM, posters, and one Student Learner Guide. It’s chock-full of colorful posters and other items to prepare you for success. Included: Leader GuideLearner GuideDVD-ROMKit itemsLifeWay’s VBS invites kids to grab their cameras and head out on a wild adventure—with elephants and egrets, polar bears and penguins, cockatoos and crocodiles. As kids gather snapshots of exotic animals, they will also examine snapshots of Jesus in the Bible. Kids experience opportunities to respond to the gospel through every encounter, providing endless moments to go from bewildered to believing as they get In the Wild at this summer’s VBS. John 20:31 (CSB) But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

The lovable Life in the Wild trio can't wait to get out on the ice to play hockey. Except, well, they're going to have to!It's wintertime, and the bear, the moose and the beaver can't wait for hockey season to start. They're so eager, in fact, they head out onto the ice before it's thick enough, and they all fall through. Twice. While they wait for the lake to freeze, they try to take their minds off hockey. There's competitive napping. Karaoke. Lots of comfort food. Until, at last, the day arrives when the ice is ready. But, after all that time not being active, are they ready?Part of the bestselling Life in the Wild picture book series from Nicholas Oldland, this funny romp is, at its heart, a love letter to the sport of hockey and the joys of playing in the wild outdoors. Oldland's distinctive dry humor shines here, making this a fun read-aloud. But the hilarious visual story --- including the character's facial expressions and numerous asides --- mean children, even nonreaders, will also want to spend time with the pages on their own. Children who love hockey will appreciate the friends' devotion to the game and the difficulty of waiting for conditions to be just right, but every child who has had to wait for something (that is, every child) will relate to the situation. In this, the book offers some character education lessons on patience and perseverance. Separately, there are connections to healthy outdoor activity and winter safety.