Compare & Contrast: 'My Librarian is a Camel'

Q: How do different countries deliver books to children in 'My Librarian Is a Camel'?

Finland uses book boats, Indonesia uses bicycle libraries, and Kenya delivers books by camel. Each method is adapted to the local geography and community needs.

Q: What is the main difference between Finland, Indonesia, and Kenya's methods for accessing books?

Finland utilizes boats to reach island communities, Indonesia relies on bicycles to navigate villages, and Kenya uses camels to carry books across remote deserts. Each transportation method suits the country’s unique landscape.

Q: Why do some countries use animals or vehicles to deliver library books?

Countries use animals or vehicles to deliver books when traditional libraries are not easily accessible, ensuring all children can enjoy reading, no matter where they live.

Q: How can teachers use 'My Librarian Is a Camel' for a compare and contrast lesson?

Teachers can ask students to create a storyboard that shows and describes how each country accesses books, encouraging comparison and critical thinking about different cultures and solutions.

Q: What are some creative ways to access books in rural or remote areas?

Creative solutions include book boats , bicycle libraries , and camel caravans , which bring books directly to people who cannot reach a traditional library.

My Librarian is a Camel - Compare/Contrast

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

Compare and contrast different countries and their methods of accessing books. In this example, Finland, Indonesia, and Kenya are compared.

In Finland, children check out books by boat. "Since 1976, the Pargas Library has been bringing books to the people of these islands by book boat: Bokbat in Swedish or Kirjastovene in Finnish." In Indonesia, a bicycle delivers the books. "Children and their parents can borrow books from the bicycle library and exchange them the next time the library visits." In Kenya, camels deliver the books. "One camel may carry as many as five hundred books, weighing about four hundred pounds."

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that compares how different countries access books.

Click "Start Assignment".
Type the name of the country in each title box. Add cells if you need to.
Make an image that shows how each country gets books.
Write a sentence below the picture.

Simple 2 Cells T-Chart Worksheet Template

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 4-5

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Compare and Contrast with T-Charts

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Compare and Contrast

Create a storyboard that finds the similarities and differences between two things.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Similarities	Student identifies and explains many of the similarities between the two.	Student identifies and explains some of the similarities between the two.	Student identifies and explains few of the similarities between the two.
Differences	Student identifies and explains many of the differences between the two.	Student identifies and explains some of the differences between the two.	Student identifies and explains few of the differences between the two.
Images	Images are clear and creative.	Most images are easy to understand, but at least two images do not fit.	Images are not easy to understand.
Spelling and Grammar	Student makes few errors.	Student makes two or three errors in spelling and grammar.	Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Compare and contrast different countries and their methods of accessing books. In this example, Finland, Indonesia, and Kenya are compared.

Copy Activity

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that compares how different countries access books.

Click "Start Assignment".
Type the name of the country in each title box. Add cells if you need to.
Make an image that shows how each country gets books.
Write a sentence below the picture.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 4-5

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Compare and Contrast with T-Charts

Copy Activity

Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Compare and Contrast

Create a storyboard that finds the similarities and differences between two things.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Similarities	Student identifies and explains many of the similarities between the two.	Student identifies and explains some of the similarities between the two.	Student identifies and explains few of the similarities between the two.
Differences	Student identifies and explains many of the differences between the two.	Student identifies and explains some of the differences between the two.	Student identifies and explains few of the differences between the two.
Images	Images are clear and creative.	Most images are easy to understand, but at least two images do not fit.	Images are not easy to understand.
Spelling and Grammar	Student makes few errors.	Student makes two or three errors in spelling and grammar.	Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar.

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How Tos about My Librarian is a Camel Compare and Contrast

Set up a classroom research project on global library access

Engage students by assigning each group a different country to research how books are accessed. Encourage creative presentations like posters or slideshows to compare their findings.

Guide students to use digital maps for visual comparison

Direct students to locate each country on a map and mark how books travel there. This helps students visualize geography and understand logistical challenges.

Facilitate a class discussion about equity in book access

Prompt students to reflect on why some countries need unique delivery methods. Lead a discussion on fairness and how access to books affects learning.

Encourage students to brainstorm solutions for remote communities

Challenge students to invent new ways books could be delivered to hard-to-reach places. This fosters problem-solving and empathy for global learners.

Celebrate learning with a global reading day

Host a special reading event where students share stories from around the world. This builds appreciation for diverse cultures and methods of accessing books.

Frequently Asked Questions about My Librarian is a Camel Compare and Contrast

How do different countries deliver books to children in 'My Librarian Is a Camel'?

Finland uses book boats, Indonesia uses bicycle libraries, and Kenya delivers books by camel. Each method is adapted to the local geography and community needs.

What is the main difference between Finland, Indonesia, and Kenya's methods for accessing books?

Finland utilizes boats to reach island communities, Indonesia relies on bicycles to navigate villages, and Kenya uses camels to carry books across remote deserts. Each transportation method suits the country’s unique landscape.

Why do some countries use animals or vehicles to deliver library books?

Countries use animals or vehicles to deliver books when traditional libraries are not easily accessible, ensuring all children can enjoy reading, no matter where they live.

How can teachers use 'My Librarian Is a Camel' for a compare and contrast lesson?

Teachers can ask students to create a storyboard that shows and describes how each country accesses books, encouraging comparison and critical thinking about different cultures and solutions.

What are some creative ways to access books in rural or remote areas?

Creative solutions include book boats, bicycle libraries, and camel caravans, which bring books directly to people who cannot reach a traditional library.