How Giraffe Got Such a Long Neck…

This book does not foster development of processes because it is based on a myth that a magic herb is the only way a giraffe will have a long neck. It does not allow the student to critically think of the way Giraffe's adapt to the environment and the way they communicate with other animals. Furthermore, this fiction book only provides a story for entertainment instead of providing the realities of the life of a giraffe or rhino.

• Author: Michael Rosen
• Illustrator: John Clementson
• Year Published: 1993
• ISBN: 0803716214

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

Giraffe and Rhino suffer the consequences of a severe drought. They go to talk to the Man who is believed to provide them with a magic herb that will help them survive. The next day the Giraffe eats the magic herb and gets a long neck so he can eat leaves form the tree while Rhino forgets to go see the Man for the herb.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book does not foster development of processes because it is based on a myth that a magic herb is the only way a giraffe will have a long neck. It does not allow the student to critically think of the way Giraffe's adapt to the environment and the way they communicate with other animals. Furthermore, this fiction book only provides a story for entertainment instead of providing the realities of the life of a giraffe or rhino.

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

This book does not provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions. A child may have questions whether medicinal herbs really provide that kind of "miracle", whether giraffes really get their long necks by eating a magic herb or whether rhino's are the way they are because they never ate that magic herb provided by a man.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book does not encourage children to think for themselves. On the other hand, it is a book that will cause children to laugh and imagine a giraffe and rhino who can talk. Also, this book is only providing a fun story for students instead of making them think for themselves.

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

The science topic is not addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson. Giraffe's did not get their long necks by eating a magic herb and their physical appearance portrayed in the book is not similar to reality. The science behind remedies is also not portrayed appropriately.

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

The content is not based on sound scientific principles or accurate. Animals develop in a particular way and have certain environmental adaptations and this book does not provide a correct scientific principle to explain it.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does not distinguish between fact and fiction. It is solely focused on fiction and a myth that creates a fun and exciting feeling for students. Students are not learning the reality of how giraffe's live and get their long necks.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are not clear or accurate. The giraffe is a bit disfigured and so is the rhino. Furthermore, the giraffe is given extra colors and shapes in his skin that is not seen in real life.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written at the level of my students. The vocabulary implemented is understandable. This book is not too long but at the same time not too short. It has a beginning, middle, end as well as a conflict and resolution.

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

There is a multicultural component and it can be seen in the way the Man, a Native American, is portrayed. To be completely honest, I'm not sure if the way he is illustrated is showing any stereotypes. Although the house he lives in looks like a tepee it can also add effect to the desert they are in.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free from gender bias. There are no sentences or illustrations that give meaning to some sort of unequal treatment.

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

The book shows the semi-close association between science and other disciplines. We can see this in the environment (drought), the animals (living organisms) and medicinal remedies by a certain group of people (the Man). The other message sent is if you don't remember about something important it can cause you to miss on something extremely important and possibly life changing.

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

The book does provide a positive attitude toward science even if it shares some inconsistencies. There are no references made that can be applied to technology. Overall, this book is entertaining but it is sending the wrong message about the way certain animals really live and develop.