Actual Size

Yes, it allows students to read, look at the pictures, and compare it to things that they are more familiar with in real life to recognize how big or small these animals are.

• Author: Steve Jenkins
• Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
• Year Published: 2004
• ISBN: 978-0547512914

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 5th Grade

Summary

A book that gives information about various animals and shows life-size illustrations of these animals/their various body parts.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, it allows students to read, look at the pictures, and compare it to things that they are more familiar with in real life to recognize how big or small these animals are.

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

Yes, it only gives bits and pieces of information about certain animals. It most likely leaves children wondering more things concerning these animals or about other animals.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes-- it only gives bits and pieces of information and gives an illustration of these animals. Students have to make the connection between the pictures and the real world to better understand the size of these animals/the relevance to the real world.

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

Yes-- the pictures help students visualize better than if they were simply given in word descriptions.

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

Yes-- the books give statistics about the different animals that seem to be up to date. The pictures seem to be the same size as the statistics make them seem. Some animals are not completely shown but only show a certain area of the animal, such as its eye.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

All of the information in the book seem to be fact.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are animated so they not seem to be as accurate in detail as they could be. The sizes, however, seem to be accurate. The whole purpose of the book is to give readers an idea of how large or small these animals are in real life, therefore the sizes are more important than the actual details of the animals.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, I believe it is appropriate for fifth graders and have seen many of my students read this book in class.

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

No, the book simply focuses on animals and not people.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book simply focuses on animals and not people.

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

No, the book seems to only revolve around science and animals. It does not seem to relate to anything else.

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

The book seems to be neutral towards science and technology.