Definition:

to be amazed at and/or curious about something that is pleasantly unexpected, beautiful, or  mysterious. 

In short:

Curiosity sparks endless discovery.

Summary:
This a simplified biography of the life of Beatrix Potter, famous English author and illustrator of children’s books in the 1900’s. The author follows her career through Potter’s drawings of animals, insects and plants, captured on the pages of this book, beginning with what she drew in her childhood and ending with her most famous work, illustrations for “A Tale of Peter Rabbit.” These illustrations are of the “small wonders” that inspired Beatrix Potter to write and illustrate over twenty books in her lifetime. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students can be introduced to Beatrix Potter’s work as they look at her illustrations and read her books. 
2. They can bring in samples, drawings or photos of small wonders they find and do a show and tell, explaining why the objects are interesting to them. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. This book is introduced as “another geode” - a kind of ordinary looking rock that has crystals inside that are hidden until it’s split open. Describe how this book is like a geode. 
2. Where does Beatrix find the subjects she draws? 
3. Look at the picture and describe what she drew when she was nine. 
4. Describe what she drew at age 35 as an illustration for a book she wrote. Do you know the title of that book (Hint: what’s the animal in the picture)? 
5. Sit still and observe a plant, animal, or insect for five minutes. Then write or tell about what you see, as many details as possible. Use as many of your 5 senses (don’t taste unless it’s edible) to explore the object. 
6. Close your eyes and listen for 2 minutes. Describe all the sounds you hear. 
7. Find something in nature to draw. If you enjoy this exercise, get a sketchbook and draw something every day for a week. Do you get better at drawing when you practice? 
8. What’s the most interesting part of nature in your opinion? Describe why it’s so fascinating to you. 
9. Read “A Tale of Peter Rabbit” or another book by Beatrix Potter. Are the illustrations detailed and interesting to you?  
10. Challenge! Make up a story about animals and illustrate it!