- Aside from potentially researching into other kinds of cats and what makes them special and unique, I do not think that this book really fosters the development of processes.
- Author: Jef Czekaj
- Illustrator: Jef Czeakaj
- Year Published: 2011
- ISBN: 978-0-06-192088-2
Science Topics
Minimum Suggested Grade Level
Maximum Suggested Grade Level
Summary
This book is about a book filled with cat secrets, meant for cats' eyes only. The keepers of the book put the reader through a series of tests, determining if said reader is indeed a cat or not. After a tumultuous journey, the cats nap, and we are left without knowing the secrets of cats.Evaluation
- Appropriateness: Low
- Authority: Low
- Accuracy: Low
- Liteary Artistry: Medium
- Appearance: Medium
Questions
Does the book foster development of processes?
- Aside from potentially researching into other kinds of cats and what makes them special and unique, I do not think that this book really fosters the development of processes.
Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?
- It may be a stretch, but I feel like the book could lead the kids to asking themselves what else it is that cats do, making them curious and yearning for an answer. Because of this, they could go out and research different types of cats and what makes them unique. Again, a far stretch.
Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?
- The book encourages inaccurate representations of what the characteristics of a cat are. It also gives kids the impression that certain animals do not like other animals, like a type of clique background.
Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?
- This book does not relate to science in any way, so I am hoping that it would not be used for a science lesson. What this book does is expose kids to inaccuracies regarding what makes a cat, a cat.
Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?
- Not at all. This book is essentially promoting the idea that you are a cat if you “meow”, “purr”, stretch, and take naps.
Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?
- The book definitely does not distinguish between fact and fiction. I would honestly go as far to say that there is almost zero fact or accurate representations in this book.
Are the illustrations clear and accurate?
- The illustrations are clear because we are able to tell that all of the animals in this book are cats or mice. However, they are not accurate because cats do not wear glasses, nor do they run on 2 feet.
Is the book written at the level of your students?
- The book is definitely written at the level of my students. It may be a little low for a handful of them, but it is pretty accurate for a majority of them.
Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?
- Since this is about cats, there isn’t exactly a multicultural component. However, the cats are all of different colors, so maybe the intent behind that was representing races.
Is the book free from gender bias?
- The book is free from gender bias, but the only reason I say this is because the book is entirely about cats.
Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?
- There is not an academic component in this book at all. It is solely a children's picture book with inaccurate representations of cats and what defines a cat.
Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?
- There is not a negative attitude, however there is not a positive one either because there are not any science or technology components within this book.