Page 3 - Kind News, Jr. Teacher Guide, September/October 2023

P. 3

ANSWER KEY

Critter Clues FROM PAGE 7

Our mystery critter is the porcupine.
There are about 25 species around the world, each
with a protective coat of quills. The North American
Porcupine lives in forested and scrubby, rural areas.
These slow-moving, gentle herbivores like leaves, twigs,
and plants.
Porcupines are rarely aggressive and don’t shoot their
quills, but the spikey, modified hairs detach easily when
touched as a defense mechanism against would-be
predators. When threatened, porcupines may stomp, hiss, or
swing their quill-covered tails. You can keep pets safe from a
“quilling” by not letting them roam at dusk or after dark. While
they sometimes forage during daylight, they are mostly nocturnal.
Keep pets from exploring caves, hollow trees, and logs which are
popular denning sites for porcupines during bad weather. If your dog gets
“quilled,” keep him as still as possible to keep the quills from moving deeper into VISIT
the skin, and get to a veterinarian right away! The tiny barbs on quills make quill removal KINDNEWS.ORG
for online
a painful procedure that requires anesthesia.
activities!
THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: NITTY DITTY/UNSPLASH.COM; GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY/BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM; AMINKOREA/BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM;
Porcupine quills served as the earliest material for Native American embroidery. Women
of the Great Plains, for example, used quills to decorate shirts, moccasins, and other
materials. Quills continue to be used in basketry by various tribes to this day.

Where’s Raja?

RAJA IS HIDING ON PAGE 8!

BOOK NOOK
GAZZAH/BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM; OKSANAVG/BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM.

Hens for Friends
Written by Sandy De Lisle | Illustrated by Amelia Hansen
Recommended for preschool through grade 3

This book from the RedRover Readers program provides a wonderful opportunity to discuss animal needs
and the human-animal bond with students. When Aarón and his family decide to adopt six hens, they learn
about the responsibilities that come with raising backyard hens. Aarón develops a close friendship with a
Rhode Island Red hen he names Margaret, and charmingly shares their favorite activities and the behaviors
he has observed in the whole flock. Through delightfully detailed illustrations and a heartfelt story, readers
learn interesting facts about hens and hen-keeping and the benefits of having them for friends.

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