I think this book provides a gateway for further communication on the subject matter. I think there is a multitude of opportunities for observation and inference making, especially with the changing of the seasons. It is definitely made for higher level inference making, because it doesn't specifically say how some of the actions in the story occur. For example, the book never explicitly explains how the fox is killed.
- Author: Jonathan London
- Illustrator: Robert Sauber
- Year Published: 1993
- ISBN: 067084490
Science Topics
Minimum Suggested Grade Level
Maximum Suggested Grade Level
Summary
A fox wanders through the forrest and has a family. Eventually the fox tries to catch a rabbit that darts across a road. The fox gets hit by a car and dies. A little boy carries the dead fox to a safe place in the woods. The fox's family continues and the life cycle does not stop.Evaluation
- Appropriateness: High
- Authority: High
- Accuracy: High
- Liteary Artistry: High
- Appearance: High
Questions
Does the book foster development of processes?
I think this book provides a gateway for further communication on the subject matter. I think there is a multitude of opportunities for observation and inference making, especially with the changing of the seasons. It is definitely made for higher level inference making, because it doesn't specifically say how some of the actions in the story occur. For example, the book never explicitly explains how the fox is killed.
Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?
I think as students read through the story, they will question why certain things happened. As they continue reading though, their questions would hopefully be answered along the way. The story should also cause students to question how humans make an impact in the natural or animal habitats.
Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?
I do think the book encourages children to think for themselves because they can make those inferences that are not explicitly given to them in the story. They will need to use their critical thinking skills to figure out what is happening in the story.
Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?
I think it is appropriate. There are things that happen that kids will end up questioning. For example, they may come in to class wondering why a squirrel was dead on the side of the road. This book would help explain how this happened. Although the subject matter is somewhat mature, it is still written in an age appropriate manner.
Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?
The content is based on sound scientific principles. The seasons are represented accurately (although this could be confusing to students who live in places that don't witness all of the season changes as drastically as the book describes and portrays). It also accurately displays the life cycle of a fox to a certain extent. It shows true portrayals of other animals and their roles in nature. It also shows the accurate prey and predator relationship between a rabbit and a fox.
Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?
The book is a work of fiction, but the facts in it are possible. There is nothing in the story that could not happen. However, in the "real world" it may be considered odd for a boy to carry road kill off to the side of the road.Are the illustrations clear and accurate?
The illustrations are very clear and match the book’s words. They have beautiful depictions of the seasons, and look unbleIs the book written at the level of your students?
I do think this book is written at an appropriate level for the upper elementary grades. It is kind of long, so I wouldn’t recommend it for kindergarten, and the subject matter is somewhat matureIs there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?
Since this story revolves primarily around animals, there is no multicultural component. This also frees it from stereotypes.Is the book free from gender bias?
The book is free of stereotypes because the animals are not personified and there is only one human character.Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?
It mainly focuses on science, there are no other subject directly introduced. There could be assignments created in addition, but nothing else is explicitly included.Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?
I think it does present a positive attitude because it is very factual. There is no technology that is included in the story though, but this makes sense with the story’s topic.