A Grand Old Tree

Yes, it mentions the sequence of which a tree lives and reproduces. The growth of the tree and how it creates seeds that move to other areas to grow into other trees is mentioned. I think that the processes of reproduction and life of a tree could be discussed.

Author: Mary Newell DePalma
Illustrator: Mary Newell DePalma
Year Published: 2005
ISBN: 978-0439623346

Summary

Mary Newell DePalma writes this book as a narrative of a simple tree's life to past her end. It is very simple and general, in which I think could be introduced to pre-K and they would understand. The general narrative could also be used to discuss deeper context in older grades as well. It spoke honestly about how a tree begins its growth and includes they even die. I think this is a great book to help show students that trees bare fruit or other seeds to help them grow in other places to introduce the reproductive cycle of a tree.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

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

Yes, I think some question that could arise are what different fruits grow on trees. Children can discuss what they think grows on trees and which do not. Children could also ponder about what kind of animals would live in trees and discuss the importance of this type of shelter for those animals.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I would say that the simplicity of this book would encourage students to think for themselves. The book is very general and does not go into too much detail of topics. Children would be encouraged to wonder more about the tree and it's importance.

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

Yes, I think that it would be an appropriate book to incorporate into science lessons. Some lessons it could be introduced in are learning about habitats or tree reproduction. It would briefly talk about both these topics and create the start of a conversation about them.

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

Not very much, but it does somewhat. It generally mentions some concepts about the reproduction of a tree that are accurate but does not talk about the process in detail. It is probably not completely accurate because it just speaks about one tree and not a particular tree, but many trees reproduce slightly different by different seeds.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No, it does not. The narrative talks through the life of one particular tree and it flows in a ways that we hear about her life and growth. We can not really tell facts from fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations are a bit minimal and help show meaning of the text on the pages that correlate to them. The book shows us a tree and her importance in the environment to animals. It shows up that she bares fruit and how her seeds can grow into more trees like her.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I think that this book could be used for the lower half of elementary students. I think it could be used for great conversation starters about certain topics, but I think that more informative and detailed books should be used for higher grade levels.

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

No, the book does not have a multicultural component and is free from stereotyping. The book does not compare genders, race, or cultures. It discusses a tree and it's growth.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, it does not compare genders. The tree in the story is talked about as a female, but is not bias. It talks through a life of a tree and students think of the tree as a person.

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

No, there is not mention of any other disciplines in the book. I think that the book could be used for literacy and writing lessons, as well as science. Students can discuss different processes and write about different processes that they are familiar with.

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

There is no discussion about technology, but I do believe it has a positive attitude to the general science topics that were addressed. The language is very simple and easy to read. This creates a positive tone to the book.

Science Topics

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