Oscar and Arabella facts for kids
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Author | Neal Layton |
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Illustrator | Neal Layton |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Genre | Children's |
Publisher | Hodder Children's Books |
Publication date
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May 16, 2002 |
Pages | 27 pp |
ISBN | 978-0-340-79719-8 |
OCLC | 53992559 |
Followed by | Oscar and Arabella, Hot Hot Hot |
Oscar and Arabella is a fun children's picture book written and illustrated by Neal Layton. It came out in 2002 and even won a special award called the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize Bronze Award! The story is all about two friendly woolly mammoths named Oscar and Arabella. They live a long, long time ago during the Ice Age, a time when much of the Earth was covered in ice. They are the main characters in a series of books, including Oscar and Arabella, Hot Hot Hot (2004) and Oscar and Arabella and Ormsby (2007).
Contents
Discovering Oscar and Arabella's World
Who Are Oscar and Arabella?
Oscar and Arabella are the main characters in this exciting book series. They are woolly mammoths, which were huge, hairy animals similar to elephants. These amazing creatures lived on Earth thousands of years ago. In the book, Oscar and Arabella are best friends who share many adventures.
Life During the Ice Age
The book takes place during the Ice Age. This was a very cold period in Earth's history. Large parts of the world were covered in thick sheets of ice and glaciers. Animals like woolly mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant sloths roamed the land. The book helps readers imagine what life might have been like for these ancient animals.
What Did Mammoths Eat?
Woolly mammoths, like Oscar and Arabella, were herbivores. This means they ate plants. Their diet mostly included grasses, shrubs, and small trees. They used their long trunks to pull up plants and their large molars to grind tough vegetation.
How Did Mammoths Stay Warm?
Living in the Ice Age meant dealing with very cold temperatures. Woolly mammoths had thick coats of long hair and a layer of fat under their skin. This natural insulation helped them stay warm in freezing conditions. They were perfectly adapted to their chilly environment.
The Author and Illustrator: Neal Layton
Who is Neal Layton?
Neal Layton is a talented British author and illustrator. He is known for his unique and playful drawing style. He has created many popular children's books. His stories often feature quirky characters and imaginative adventures.
Layton's Creative Process
Neal Layton not only writes his books but also draws all the pictures. This means he has full control over the story and how it looks. His illustrations are often simple yet very expressive. They help bring characters like Oscar and Arabella to life for young readers.
Awards and Recognition
The Nestlé Smarties Book Prize
Oscar and Arabella won the Bronze Award in the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize. This was a well-known award in the United Kingdom for children's books. It celebrated books that were popular with children themselves. Winning this award showed that kids really enjoyed Oscar and Arabella's story.
Why Awards Matter
Book awards like the Smarties Prize are important. They help highlight great books for children and their families. They also encourage authors and illustrators to keep creating wonderful stories. For readers, it's a good way to find new books they might love.
The Oscar and Arabella Series
More Adventures with Mammoths
Oscar and Arabella is the first book in a series. The adventures of these two woolly mammoths continue in other books. These include Oscar and Arabella, Hot Hot Hot (published in 2004) and Oscar and Arabella and Ormsby (published in 2007). Each book brings new challenges and fun for the characters.
Exploring Different Themes
The series allows readers to follow Oscar and Arabella through various situations. For example, Hot Hot Hot might explore what happens when the Ice Age mammoths encounter warmer weather. This helps children learn about different environments and how characters adapt.