Come children, let me tell you a tale,
About creatures with bones and tails,
They're called vertebrates, a special kind,
With backbones and spines, they're hard to find.

Their bones are strong, made of cartilage and more,
With bone marrow inside, where blood cells do store,
These cells help them grow, and heal when they're hurt,
And keep them strong and healthy, that's for sure.

But bones alone can't move or sway,
They need appendages to play and stay,
With ligaments and tendons, they are attached,
To ball-and-socket and hinge joints, they're matched.

Their legs and arms are dexterous too,
Helping them jump, run and climb through,
Legumes are what they eat to grow,
With these, they stay healthy, strong and glow.

So next time you see a vertebrate,
Remember the bone marrow, cartilage and fate,
Their appendages, joints and limbs so great,
Help them live, love, and celebrate!

Reflections

Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story:

1. What is a vertebrate?
2. What are some of the things that make a vertebrate's bones strong and healthy?
3. How do vertebrates move and play?
4. What are some of the different types of joints that vertebrates have, and what are they used for?
5. What kind of food do vertebrates like to eat, and why is it good for them?