Children's Science Book Database

Fabulous Fluttering Tropical Butterflies

It goes through the life cycle of butterflies but it doesn't go through any scientific process. It talks about butterfly/caterpillar diet and physical adaptations, their effect on the environment around them, and even the conditions in which butterflies need to live. But it doesn't talk about any sort of experiment or scientific process.Fabulous Fluttering Tropical Butterflies
  • Author: Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
  • Illustrator: Kendahl Jan Jubb
  • Year Published: 2003
  • ISBN: 978-0802788399

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

The butterfly life cycle is studied and followed through throughout the book. The book then goes to describe butterflies around the world, their adaptations, and what function they play in their environment. It also discusses how humans can interact with butterflies in an educational setting.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

It goes through the life cycle of butterflies but it doesn't go through any scientific process. It talks about butterfly/caterpillar diet and physical adaptations, their effect on the environment around them, and even the conditions in which butterflies need to live. But it doesn't talk about any sort of experiment or scientific process.

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

It does provide children with thought-provoking questions, such as how do butterflies adapt over time. It allows students to think about how the life cycle of butterflies can be affected by environmental changes. By giving so many examples of different butterflies it does allow students to think about how different traits do interact with their environment.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book provides many facts and examples of different butterflies, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't leave room for thought. It leaves a lot of room for the insertion of background knowledge and the ability to think about how chain of events can tie together. It allows for the expansion and extension of the material in front of them.

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

Yes. The book goes through the butterfly life cycle in a child-friendly manner. It uses some advanced vocabulary, but all words can be figured out using context clues. The manner in which the lesson is gone about progresses steadily and follows a neat train of thought that wouldn't confuse students.

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

Yes. The book talks about ecosystems and life cycles accurately. It brings about well-rounded ideas which include everything from how exactly butterflies grow to what they eat to how they interact with other creatures around them. Everything I found about it is accurate.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

There doesn't seem to be any fiction in this book, only fact. The book doesn't have fictitious characters since it's only talking about butterflies. The butterflies are depicted visually and their traits defined and explained. Even though there are extensive illustrations in the book, none of them are misleading or give rise to the idea that the imagery provided is anything but accurate. The text throughout the book backs up this idea. Everything ties together quite nicely.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

All illustrations on every page relate to the text on that page, whether it be caterpillars or butterflies, flowers or cocoons. The illustrations depict the real-life butterflies in their natural environment. None of the illustrations are ambiguous or unclear.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes. The vocab, as I mentioned, isn't too elementary, but all words can be figured out using context clues. Because of this I feel that the book can appeal to a wide age range. The book is visually appealing which certainly helps students to get engaged in the text, at least initially. The text itself is engaging enough on its own, so all around I feel that it is a pretty solid text.

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

The book talks about butterflies all around the world, especially in South America, so it does bring the rest of the world into the picture. I wouldn't necessarily say there's any stereotyping because no people are involved. It's all about butterflies.

Is the book free from gender bias?

There aren't any people in this book. I've seen both a male and female student greatly enjoy this book. The only gender bias that might exist relates to the subject itself but the book is written without any gender bias whatsoever.

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

The book definitely talks about science and it does relate to art a bit. It absolutely talks about geography. Towards the end it also brings in some architectural ideas. This book is pretty well-rounded in that it really does bring geography into the equation which helps you to get a better perspective of how extensive the study of butterflies can be and how one animal can vary so greatly depending on the environment and conditions in which it's placed.

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

Yes. It portrays ecology and wildlife sustainability and ecotourism in positive lights. It talks about how people can interact with butterflies in greenhouses and educates you about how the environment is adjusted to maintain optimal conditions for the butterflies. It doesn't just talk about butterflies, but at the end it relates it to actual tangible experiences that can be had and the enjoyment that people can get out of it.