Resources for Yonder: Restless books for Young Readers
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THE LITTLE LUGS
1. What does the axolotl in My Life at the Bottom eat at the bottom of the lake?
2. Why is the axolotl in My Life at the Bottom lonely?
3. What is an endangered species? Are axolotls considered an endangered species?
4. Why is the water becoming warm? What can we do to help climate change?
5. If you could talk to the big lugs, what would you tell them?
6. What is one fun fact that you learned about axolotls in My Life at the Bottom?
INTERNET RESOURCES
Learn more about Axolotls:
“Axolotl Facts for Kids.” Animal Fact Guide. 2020.
“What is an Axolotl and Why Are They Endangered?” Blue Reef Portsmouth. 2020.
Talk about Climate Change:
Schipani, Sam. “How to Save the Paradoxical Axolotl.” Smithsonian Magazine. 2018.
“A Guide to Climate Change for Kids.” Climate Kids.
Checklist: “Be an Energy Saver.” American Museum of Natural History.
Video: “What is Climate Change?” Environment and Climate Change Canada.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Dive into other books with similar themes:
Little Turtle and the Changing Sea by Becky Davies, Illustrated by Jennie Poh
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR NOOR AND BOBBY
What do you notice about the buildings in Noor’s city? Where do you think the story takes place?
Why do you think all of Noor’s neighbours had to leave?
What other characters besides Noor do you see drawn in the book? What are they doing?
What is a refugee? What can we do to help children and animals like Noor and Bobby?
How do you think Noor and Bobby felt after they found each other? Have you ever been reuinted with a lost pet or friend?
Who does Noor help in the book? If you were Noor, how would you help the characters who need assistance?
INTERNET RESOURCES
Talking about war and conflict:
What is a Refugee? Save the Children.
“How to Talk to your Children about Conflict and War” UNICEF.
“Kids, refugees, questions: 'what is it like to have no home?” The Guardian. 2016.
Learn more about saving animals in conflcit areas:
“Four Ways to Help Animals Affected by War” First Vet. 2022
War Paws: Helping the Forgotten Animals of War
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Explore other books with similar themes:
The Cat Man of Aleppo by Karim Shamsi-Basha and Irene Latham, Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu
What the Kite Saw by Anne Laurel Carter, Illustrated by Akin Duzakin
The Day War Came by Nicola Davies, Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb
by Linda Bondestam
Translated from the Swedish by A. A. Prime
Yonder: Restless Books for Young Readers | Ages 4–7
From award-winning Nordic author and illustrator Linda Bondestam comes a new kind of climate change story, narrated by an adorable axolotl who is—possibly—the last of its kind.
Hardcover ISBN: 9781632061386
Publication date: May 24, 2022