From Caterpillar to Butterfly

The book is about a life cycle of a butterfly. Students may not be able to  develop a hypothesis, or explain the results with reasoning strategies,but they can still make predictions.

• Author: Deborah Heiligman
• Illustrator: Bari Weissman
• Year Published: 1996
• ISBN: 0060242647

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Summary

A caterpillar comes to school in a jar. The class watches the caterpillar each day as it grows and changes. Soon, it disappears into a hard shell called a chrysalis. Then the chrysalis breaks, and a beautiful butterfly flies out of the jar! This is a perfect beginner's guide to the mystery of metamorphosis.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book is about a life cycle of a butterfly. Students may not be able to  develop a hypothesis, or explain the results with reasoning strategies,but they can still make predictions.

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

The book is an informative/educational book which explains the life cycle of a butterfly. Students might not have enough opportunity to generate their own questions, but the teacher can encourage students to generate questions prior to reading this book, and the book will be a great tool to answer those questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book is an informative book, but it contains questions such as "Will it ever come out of its chrysalis?" which allows students to make inference/prediction. The teacher can add questions/prompts throughout the book that will encourage children to think on their own and generate questions/answers.

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

Yes, this is a great book to use when teaching ecosystem, nature, life cycle, pollinators and plants. The book can be used to teach/introduce so many science topics.

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

I am not sure if life cycle is considered as a principle, but the book contains accurate information about butterflies and their life cycle. The book also has accurate definition of the vocabularies.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This is an educational/informative book and I don't consider this to be a fiction. So, students won't have any problem distinguishing fact and fiction. The book depicts an accurate life cycle of a butterfly.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Amazing and precise illustrations and I consider them to be accurate. But having actual photographs could have been helpful as well.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, great book for lower elementary children. The book could be used as a read aloud book, or students can read independently if to be used for Gr. 1-2. Vocabularies are clearly defined, and has amazing illustrations that will keep the students engaged.

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

I don't see any multicultural component and the book is free from stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias.

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

The book is about butterflies which is a very common insect around us. Children will be able to think of science as something around us. I don't see any association with other disciplines.

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

The book doesn't present any attitude toward science and technology, but students can use technology prior to/after reading this book. Students can search for more butterflies or life cycle of other insects. Students can also watch a video about life cycle.