Children's Science Book Database

Dave’s Down-to-Earth Rock Shop

Yes, I do believe it will get students thinking about the different types of rocks.
  • Author: Stuart J. Murphy
  • Illustrator: Cat Bowman Smith
  • Year Published: 2000
  • ISBN: 0-06-028018-2

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

This book is about a little boy who got a rock from his uncle and took it to a local rock shop. Then, he began collecting them and learning about all the different types from the store's owner, Dave. It is a fun and inviting way to introduce the study of rocks.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, I do believe it will get students thinking about the different types of rocks.

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

There are many places for questions in this text, but probably more surface level questions as opposed to deeper ones about the subject.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Not particularly, the information is presented to the students, and doesn't require a lot of room for wondering.

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

Yes, it represents investigating about rocks as fun, inviting, and worthy of collecting. This will help engage students to think about rocks.

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

Yes, this book discusses the geology of different rocks. It has illustrations of book pages with facts about the different types of rocks discussed.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes, while it is a fiction book, it discusses facts of rocks.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, and there are small book page pictures with facts about different types of rocks on some.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, it is easy to understand for students and has an interesting premise.

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

Yes, there is no stereotyping, though not a whole lot of diversity is shown.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, there are no biases shown in the text.

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

No other disciplines are really discussed in this text.

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

Yes. The perspective is fun and interesting.