Feathers and Hair, What Animals Wear

Yes, this book fosters the development of observing and using the senses to notice what cover different animals. It can also be used to foster communication to have students discuss different animals they have seen and what they have observed these animals "wear."

• Author: Jennifer Ward
• Illustrator: Jing Jing Jsong
• Year Published: 2017
• ISBN: 978-1481430814

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This nonfiction picture book takes the reader through different members of the animal kingdom with extraordinary illustrations and explores what covers animals- skin, fur, hair, etc.! An index found at the back of the book goes more in-depth about each animal mentioned in the book.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, this book fosters the development of observing and using the senses to notice what cover different animals. It can also be used to foster communication to have students discuss different animals they have seen and what they have observed these animals "wear."

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

Yes, children will have questions reading this book and will want to know more about the animals mentioned in the book. Some answers to these questions can be found in the back of the book.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, this books provides children with the opportunity to think about the animals they have seen or know of and make connections with the book about what covers these animals- skin, feathers, shells,  etc.

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

The text found with the illustrations does not have much information about the science topic other than simple facts. It would be a good tool to use at the beginning of the lesson to engage learners and evoke inquiry.

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

Yes, this book is accurate and only present factual information that follows sound science.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does not distinguish between fact and fiction because it is a nonfiction picture book and only facts are presented in the text.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations found in the book are in great detail and accurately depict what the animals mentioned look like and what covers their bodies in a way that is exciting and inviting to the reader.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is appropriate for the primary grades, Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade.

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

There is not a multicultural component to this book and the one human child illustrated at the end of the book is Caucasian. While there may not be a multicultural component it does remain free from stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The only human character in this book is a boy, so it technically is not free from bias and contributes to the stereotype that science is for boys.

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

No, the book does not associate any other disciplines with science however it does relate the book to the reader by showing a human at the end.

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

Yes, this book does have a positive attitude towards Life Science and makes the subject engaging for the readers. It does not discuss technology.