Bilby: Secrets of an Australian Marsupial

This book fosters the development of processes quite well by building on the growth and life as the marsupial through its birth to daily survival. It becomes deeper and deeper page by page helping develop levels of inquiry that allow readers to make different connections.

Author: Edel Wignell
Illustrator: Mark Jackson
Year Published: 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6759-7

Summary

The story of a mother Australian marsupial and her baby as they navigate and survive in the wild. Highlighting their endangerment this book shares this engaging tale.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: Medium
Authority: High
Accuracy: High
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?

There are many places for students to provide their own questions as well as an answer their own questions throughout. By providing an exciting narrative to have base level inquiry, students have the facts listed at the bottom of each page as well as an index to aid in their read through. There is a lot of room for questioning and finding the appropriate answers within this text.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

In a way this book encourages students to think for themselves. In providing facts and an engaging narrative students can follow this book in the way that most suits them. Regardless if students decide to use this book as a reference piece or as a story to read they have autonomy in that decision.

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

Life science and ecology are covered thoroughly and appropriately for many different lesson scenarios. In facts and a reading level for all audiences it presents these ideas in a way that can be utilized as a resource or base for a lesson.

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

The material is clear and through in sound and accurate scientific principles. It is well thought out and well researched information intertwined in a highly effective manner.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book distinguishes fact and fiction. In the text features it does this through the indented text and separation of the narrative from the facts. It also establishes a world that is purely story driven and a side that is purely factual and scientific.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear and accurate while maintaining artistic beauty at the same time. The realism truly helps the reader picture the environment and lives of these animals.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This text would be well received by my class of 4th graders. It can be used as a tool for research independently or a great start of point in an engaging read aloud.

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

As the story is set in Australia you learn about the wilds of the country, however there isn't a strong understanding of culture as a whole. There is no stereotyping within the text either.

Is the book free from gender bias?

In only focusing on animals this story avoids gender bias, even in the personification of its animal characters.

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

By focusing on the story of a mammal in the wild it sticks to ecology and life science primarily without interaction with other scientific principles.

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

This book provides a very positive light towards science by intermingling facts within an engaging story. The reader becomes invested in the science itself to further connect to the story. (However technology is not mentioned)

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level