During Reading:

These activities are ones that students can work on while they read the book. 

1. Students will be asked as they read through the book to write down five words that they do not fully know the meaning to.  When they write their word down, they will be asked to write what they think the word might mean.  They can use context clues such as the words that surround their word, to help them try and figure it out.  Once they have their five words and predicted definitions completed, they will follow the link to the online dictionary, type in each of their words, and write down the real definition immediately following their predicted definition.

http://dictionary.reference.com/

2.  Look at the illustrations of all the different mammals used in the book.  What are some of the unique characteristics that each of the animals possess?  On a separate sheet of paper, write some of the characteristics that make each of the mammals different from one another.  Explain how each of these characteristics might help the mammals in their travels and adventures. (Ex: An elephant's trunk helps it do ......... in this case.)