Last: The story of a white rhino by Nicola Davies

This is such an important book which should be added to every school library collection. In March, 2018 the last male Northern White Rhino died. 

"This book was inspired by the true story of a real rhino named Sudan. Rhinos were once plentiful in Africa, Asia and even in Europe. But when Sudan was born, members of his subspecies the Northern White Rhino had been hunted almost to extinction for their horn. Rhinos' horn is made of the same material as you nails. Yet, some humans believe it has magical healing properties. Thousands of rhinos have been killed for their horn."

Here is a short video where Nicola Davies talks about her book. 

Publisher blurb Tiny Owl: A rhinoceros is captured by poachers and put in a zoo in the middle of a grey city, where all he can do is pace back and forth. He misses his home in the wild in Sudan, his mother, and the smell of earth and rain. He fears he may be the very last of his kind. Then one day, he is rescued and released back into the wild, to live free with the other rhinos.

Here are some Teacher Notes. Read more at Helping Rhinos and at the Rhino Resource centre. In this post Nicola Davies talks about her inspiration to write this book. 

Edward and the great discovery by Rebecca McRitchie and Celeste Hulme

Start with the end paper please when you pick up Edward and the great discovery.  At the front of this book you can see a pattern of spades or trowels.  At the back you can see the full range of Edwards archaeological kit - maps, rope, strong, brushes, a new, explorer hat and sandwich.

"Edward's mother is an archaeologist.
Edward's father is an archaeologist.
Edward's grandmother and grandfather are archaeologists.
And all of them have made very important DISCOVERIES."

The stage is set.  Edward needs a discovery of his own. After a long search Edward finds an egg. No it is not a dinosaur as you might expect.  It is a bird.  A very special bird.  A bird that cannot fly. Have you guessed - it is a dodo.

You might like to read this review.  Here is an activity you could try when you read this book.  You can see inside this book at the illustrator web site.