Lola Plants a Garden

Yes, the author goes through the series of plants and gardens. The main character thinks of the processes she needs to take to make her own garden.

• Author: Anna McQuinn
• Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
• Year Published: 2014
• ISBN: 978-1580896948

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Summary

Lola learns about gardens and decides to make her own garden with her own ideas.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the author goes through the series of plants and gardens. The main character thinks of the processes she needs to take to make her own garden.

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

Yes, because children can ask questions about the garden, seeds, and ways they can implement their own questions about their own wonderings.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, this book gives an opportunity for children to think about how they would make their own garden.

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

To further explain the process of gardening, the author could have added more details on how Lola did gardening. On the cover page, there is a picture of water but the content of the book does not include anything about actually watering the plants. The scientific topic of gardening and planting could have been clearly mentioned and addressed in the book.

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

Does not go into depth about the scientific principles. Many contents are assumed by the reader.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Gives a realistic time of the steps she took. The author provided facts about how she initially read a poem, went to the store and bought seeds, and gardened. Also, the author portrays a great idea of the realistic amount of time it took Lola to grow a plant; did not unrealistically portray a plant that grew overnight.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the text matches the illustrations. Just by looking at the illustrations, the reader can make valid inferences about the story of the book.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this is a great book for students up to second grade.

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

Yes, this book is a multicultural book. We notice the characters in the book shows a variety of ethnicities. This is not a stereotypical book that portrays an ethnicity that we normally see.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, there were boys and girls in the book.

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

Yes, this book shows Lola talking to her friends about her garden. So not only does this book address the processes that Lola took to form her garden, she also portrayed Lola sharing her peas and strawberries that she grew with her friends.

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

Yes, the books talks about how gardening can be fun. The author made the topic very interesting for young children, and gave ideas of ways children can be creative in their own ways. For instance, Lola added bells, shells, and old beads to her garden, which added a unique aspect to her garden.