Avocado Baby

This book clearly shows a cause and effect. The baby is weak, the mother feeds the baby avocados, the baby gets strong.

Author: John Burningham
Year Published: 1982
ISBN: 0-690-0243-4 (tr)

Summary

The Hargraves family is welcoming a new baby. Everyone in the Hargraves family is very weak, including the new baby. That is, until the mother starts to feed the baby avocado pears everyday. Now the baby is very strong.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: High
Authority: Medium
Accuracy: Medium
Liteary Artistry: Medium
Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book clearly shows a cause and effect. The baby is weak, the mother feeds the baby avocados, the baby gets strong.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Yes. The only question that is really answered in this book is what can the family do to make the baby strong.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

No, not really. There is not a lot of mystery in this book. Everything in this book is pretty straight forward.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes. This book shows that our food choices effect us physically and that our food is turned into energy.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

This book shows that the food we eat is turned into energy. However, the things the baby does after gaining strength from the avocado are not scientifically sound.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No, everything is stated in a matter of fact manner.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear and accurate according to the story, but again, not scientifically sound.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

All of the illustrations depict white people. The text does not make any indication of race and there are no stereotypes in the book.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes. In this book the main character is only referred to as "baby" or "the baby," there are no gendered pronouns attached.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

It has an association with language arts and reading.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

Yes, this book illustrates that healthy food choices leads to a healthy body.

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level