See You Later, Alligator

The alligator at the City Zoo has a secret, and everyone knows about it, except Jimmy. What secrets could alligators possibly have? wondered Jimmy. They seemed kind of boring to him with sleeping all the time. Or are they? Join Jimmy on a thrilling adventure as he travels through a magic tunnel from his hometown zoo in California to the Everglades National Park in Florida, where he comes face to face with wild alligators, a terrifying reality in the swamp. But, along the way, he meets Manny, who takes him on a tour of the swamp, revealing an astonishing secret about alligators that changes Jimmy's mind about these top predators. But danger strikes when they run into a poacher who's illegally hunting alligators. Can Jimmy rely on his talent for connecting with animals to save the alligators before it's too late? Find out more in this thrilling story that reveals why alligators are needed in the wild, how they sense our world, and how we can all live together safely for everyone's benefit, animals, and people alike.

1)    What do you like best about alligators? Why?

2)    What do you dislike about alligators? Why?

3)    Why are alligators needed in the wild?

4)    How do alligators sense their world?

5)    What do birds and alligators have in common?

6)    Would you ever try to feed an alligator in the wild? Why or why not?

7)    What parts of the story did you like best and least? Why?

8)    How can we protect alligators and keep them from going extinct?

9)    If you could talk to animals, what animal would you most like to speak with? Why?

10) If you could ride a slide through a magic tunnel to anywhere in the world, where would you go?  Why?

Alligator. A large semiaquatic, predatory reptile. It has a long nose that is slightly wider and shorter than that of a crocodile.

Amphibian. Cold-blooded animals that live in the water when young (e.g. tadpoles), and on land as adults (e.g. frogs).

Asteroid. Rocky object in space that orbits the sun.

Camouflage. Protective coloration that helps an animal blend in with its surroundings.

Countershading. A type of camouflage of some animals that are dark-colored on top and light underneath to help them blend in with their surroundings. It's most common in sea animals, like sharks, dolphins, and whales.

Cypress dome. Forested areas of cypress trees in wetlands or swamps.

Ectotherm. Cold-blooded animals that depend on the sun to warm up.

Endotherm. Warm-blooded animals that generate their body heat internally.

Epiphyte. A plant that grows harmlessly on another plant.

Herbivore. Animals that only eats plants, like horses and cows. 

Herpetarium. Home for reptiles and amphibians, usually at a zoo.

Keystone species. Animals that help other plants and animals survive in the wild.

Mangrove. Trees or shrubs that grow in coastal areas in tropical regions, like Florida. They tolerate salt water and flooding and are important for preventing shorelines from washing away, especially during storms, and for wildlife habitat.

Marsh. Low-lying areas that flood periodically during the year, providing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Omnivore. People and animals that eat plants and other animals (e.g. birds).

Periphyton. A sponge-like-mat of consisting of algae, fungi, bacteria, and other critters that provides food for other animals, puts oxygen in the water for fish, and helps build healthy soils.

Poacher. A person who hunts wild animals illegally.

Predator. Animal that hunts and eats other animals (e.g. lions).

Reptile. Cold-blooded, scaly skinned animals that lay eggs (e.g. alligators).

Swamp. Low-lying areas, generally with water year-round. Swamps are important for flood control, filtering sediments from water, and for ground water recharge.

Shell mound or kitchen midden. A prehistoric garbage dump or trash pile from ancient civilizations that includes mostly shells like clams and oysters that were tossed out after eating.

Thermoregulation. Ability of an animal to maintain its body temperature in an optimal range.

Word Associations

Add the following words below in the blank column that identifies with the term (multiple words might be associated with the term).

Feathers, cypress trees, water, shells, nest, predator, herbivore, omnivore, turtles, eggs, frogs, trash, lizards, snakes, alligators, toads, salamander, tadpole, periphyton, scales, midden, ectotherm, endotherm