Children's Science Book Database

Flowers Are Calling

Yes, the book fosters the development of observation and classification of pollinators. There are several descriptions that allow students to observe how pollinators do their job (hummingbirds sip nectar, beetles chew the flower and loosen the pollen, etc.). There are also illustrations of particular flowers that pollinators within the region are drawn to. A teacher could ask, "That do you think happens next? Does the pollinator need to do anything else or is the whole process done?" This could engage the class in a discussion about the process of pollination. A teacher could stop and ask the class about what biome these plants and pollinators may be from. The biomes include: temperate forest, pond, meadow, desert, and plains. She may point out differences between the pollinators in different biomes such as those near the desert and those near a meadow.  Finally, on the last pages the book talks about flower patterns, shape, color, smell, and time of opening and how each of these features better attracts pollinators. A teacher could have students observe flowers around then and write down what may attract pollinators in their particular finds.Flowers Are Calling
  • Author: Rita Gray
  • Illustrator: Kenard Pak
  • Year Published: 2015
  • ISBN: 978-0-544-34012-1

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

This sweet rhyming poem identifies pollinators of particular biomes and what plants they are attracted to. The poem includes illustrations of the pollinators and the plants that are most effected by their pollination. It also shows animals that do not help with pollination by saying that the flowers do not call to them while they do call to others.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book fosters the development of observation and classification of pollinators. There are several descriptions that allow students to observe how pollinators do their job (hummingbirds sip nectar, beetles chew the flower and loosen the pollen, etc.). There are also illustrations of particular flowers that pollinators within the region are drawn to. A teacher could ask, "That do you think happens next? Does the pollinator need to do anything else or is the whole process done?" This could engage the class in a discussion about the process of pollination. A teacher could stop and ask the class about what biome these plants and pollinators may be from. The biomes include: temperate forest, pond, meadow, desert, and plains. She may point out differences between the pollinators in different biomes such as those near the desert and those near a meadow.  Finally, on the last pages the book talks about flower patterns, shape, color, smell, and time of opening and how each of these features better attracts pollinators. A teacher could have students observe flowers around then and write down what may attract pollinators in their particular finds.

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

Yes, the book leaves most of the pollination process open for discussion or research. It gives a tidbit of information about pollinators and what flowers they are attracted to but does not go into detail about the process. Several of the pictures could stimulate their thinking. For example, there is an illustration of bees leaving a flower with pollen covering their legs. This could prompt students to ask about it and learn that bees carry away pollen from one flower and deposit it on another.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, in the final pages it asks readers questions to consider about their favorite flower or the flower of their choice by saying, "How is the middle of a flower different than the outer part?", "Does your flower smell sweet or musky?" and "Does your flower open in the daytime or nighttime?" This engages students and allows them to consider features their favorite flower.

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

The content is definitely appropriate!

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

Yes, the content is based on actual pollinators and the plants that attract them. It demonstrates why the plants attract these pollinators and uses the word "calling" to describe the attraction. This is a very accurate word because pollinators are literally called to plants by a variety of ways.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No need. It is all nonfiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and detail pollinators so that they are easy to distinguish. The flowers are a little more difficult to distinguish because they are very light looking and drawn with pastels. Still, they are close enough to how they look in real life to be recognizable.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book is appropriate for k-2. Some of the concepts in the final pages may be difficult to grasp but would easy to discuss as a group and worth taking the time to think about. These concepts include pattern of flowers and shape of flowers and how these features attract pollinators.

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

No, there is not multicultural component because the book isn't about people. The only people are two African American children picking flowers at a distance.

Is the book free from gender bias?

There is no gender bias because there are only two children in the book and they are a boy and a girl. They are both wearing t-shirts and both are picking flowers.

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

There is no major connection between science and other disciplines within the book. However, at the back of the book there is a "Would you believe!" page that points out some interesting facts about pollinators and flowers. One fact points out that pollinators are dying because of pesticides and herbicides. The author prompts readers to engage in planting native plants only and plants that will benefit the nearby pollinators. This can be linked to the discipline of gardening.

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

Yes, the book is very pro-pollinator and beautifully illustrates how special they are and how special plants are!