Page 2 - Kind News Parent Guide, May/June 2023

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ANSWER KEY AND ACTIVITIES

Critter Clues: Our mystery critter Climate
is the iguana. With over 40 recognized Crossword FROM PAGE 6
species, these adaptable lizards can live in many
types of environments, from lush rainforests to Across Down
dry, rocky deserts. Iguana appearances vary
greatly, from dull to brightly colored. 2. Ticks 1. Wildlife
Iguanas have many unique qualities! Their amazing 6. Electronics 3. Bike
eyesight allows them to easily navigate through their 4. Running
habitat. Their parietal eye, the third eye on the top of their 5. Wetlands
head that senses light, is thought to help them find their way
and sense predators. They also use their eyes and body language to W 7. Snow
I
communicate with other iguanas. They extend their dewlap, the flap of skin T C K S
under their neck, both to greet one another or as a territorial sign. They also bob their L
heads up and down as a greeting. Iguanas are social creatures and have been known D
to protect one another from danger. When they feel threatened, they are able to shed B L R
a portion of their tails, making it easier for them to escape. I I W U
Although many iguana species still have high populations, many are vulnerable or K F E N
endangered due to loss of habitat, the introduction of non-native species to their E L E C R O I C S
T
N
habitats, climate change, and poaching for meat or the illegal exotic pet trade — for L I N
which they are often transported in poor conditions and then sold in pet stores. A N O
How can you help? Don’t buy iguanas. If you have the space and time to take care
of an iguana in your home, search for a reputable reptile rescue. If you have wild N G W
iguanas in your area, don’t feed them — this can cause nutrient deficiencies and D
digestive problems. For more information on the exotic pet trade and what you can S
do to help, visit humanesociety.org and search “wildlife trade.”

BOOK NOOK
COVER: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. THIS PAGE: NITTY DITTY/UNSPLASH.COM.
I Begin with Spring: The Life and Seasons
of Henry David Thoreau
Written by Julie Dunlap | Recommended for grades 3-7
I Begin with Spring captures the wonder we can experience from paying close attention to the nature
around us. Presenting some of Thoreau’s real journal entries and highlighting his fascination with nature
starting at the age of 11 or 12, this book presents a nice example of journalistic writing and how to use
these observations to monitor biodiversity and climate change. The book is organized by the seasons,
beautifully illustrated and includes copies of historical drawings and touches on other aspects of
Thoreau’s life, including his involvement with abolitionists and the underground railroad.
About the Author: Award-winning author and educator Julie Dunlap has written over thirty books for children, including Janey
Monarch Seed. She is also the editor of Companions in Wonder: Children and Adults Exploring Nature Together (with Stephen R.
Kellert). Julie explores and studies nature often with her family and as a volunteer with her local Audubon Society, and shares her
love of wildlife with students at the University of Maryland Global Campus.

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kind news © redrover. all rights reserved. kind news may not be reproduced in any form without written
permission from redrover. student contributions may be edited for readability. the classroom
editor, nicole forsyth; design consultant, sass studios; education advisors and edition of kind news is published five times a year, september through may. a classroom subscription,
contributors: heidi colonna, minhhan lam, karly noel, amelia saris, and helia zarkhosh subsidized by charitable donations, is available at $30 per year and each issue includes 28 copies of
kind news plus a teacher guide. kind news is also available as a single-copy home subscription,
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