Kio and Gus: Reasoning About Nature

Philosophy for Children

by Matthew Lipman

Kio visits his grandparents' farm and becomes friendly with Gus, who lives with her family not far away. Kio helps Gus become aware of the world as the blind experience it, and some of the differences that characterize the creative activities of the blind. Kio's grandfather was once a sailor, and early in the book tells of an encounter he once had with a whale. He is determined to visit a site where he can observe whales once again, and Kio persuades him to take the two families along. Kio and Gus consists largely of conversations, because these are children who are sensitive to language and ideas as well as to the animals, people and things in the world that surrounds them. Among the contrasting concepts that Gus and Kio wonder about are make-believe/reality, fear/courage, saying/doing, and truth/beauty. Young readers of KIO AND GUS will find their sense of wonder challenged as much as their reasoning skills.

The type is large and readable, with some blank pages for young readers to try their hand at book illustration.

Program: Reasoning About Nature Grade Range: K-5 Target Grades: 2-3

Teacher's Guide Companion Volume - WONDERING AT THE WORLD: Instructional Manual to Accompany Kio and Gus

Genres: Philosophy

77 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Abril · Rating 4 out of 5]

Las preguntas que hacen los personajes son muy interesantes, es un libro 100% recomendado para niños preguntones, jeje.

[Moh Amed]

It's book verry great, I want read this.

[Gala · Rating 2 out of 5]

Go boy, give us nothing.

[Maughn Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Lipman's most popular philosophical novels for children. The IAPC has just published it online for free download at digitalcommons-dot-montclair-dot-edu/iapc_late_ele_curriculum/

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I ever read as a kid. Still trying to get my hands on a copy of it so I can use it with the kids I currently teach.