Synopsis
Part of the If Animals Disappeared collection. The elephant has become synonymous with the image of African wildlife. They can grow over 10 feet tall and eat up to 300 pounds a day. While these giants are beloved figures in movies and zoos, they also play a large role in keeping the forest ecosystem healthy. Unfortunately, poachers are hunting elephants rapidly to extinction for their ivory tusks, and that could be catastrophic to the world as we know it.- ★★★★☆
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- The study of science provides opportunities to learn about Allah’s ﷻ design as a way to get to know Him while also learning about an important tenet in Islam—serving as guardians of this Earth. We have been entrusted to take care of and responsibly use the resources that Allah ﷻ has provided.
- Children may have questions related to the Big Bang shown on the timeline. It is a theory which could explain how Allah ﷻ created our universe. However, it is a theory and Allah ﷻ alone knows how the universe was truly created.
- Identify the Congo Basin on a map or a globe.
- What is a food chain? What is a food web? What is an ecosystem?
- What makes elephants a keystone species?
- How do elephants help with seed dispersal?
- What is poaching? What part of the elephant are poachers interested in?
- Elephants are often killed just for their tusks. Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ kindness and consideration towards the mental and physical well-being of animals was exemplary. How would he feel about this practice?
- What is a trophic cascade?
- What is the very first thing anyone can do to help elephants? Learn, learn, learn.
Mindful Muslim Review
This series combines vivid illustrations with a gentle introduction to ecology—a branch of biology which focuses on understanding organisms and their habitats. This series can be used as a tool to deepen an understanding and reverence of the ecosystems Allah ﷻ has created, the interdependencies of Allah’s ﷻ creations and the potentially devastating impact our choices can make on the environment. In this story, readers are introduced to the devastating consequences of a senseless and horrific act—animal poaching. The glossary along with the information and the Author’s Note in the back of the book not only reinforce the concepts put forth in the book but also give a list of actions that children can do to help protect elephants and the environment. Building this awareness at a young age is vital to teach future stewards of this Earth how to care for our planet.
Mindful Muslim Reader recommends additional books in this collection.
