Mammals

• Author: Barbara Brownell
• Year Published: 1993
• ISBN: 0-7922-7040-1

Science Topics

• Life Science

Summary

This book is a reference for young readers by the National Geographic Nature Library to learn about the natural world. It gives them a view inside the lives of various mammals including close-up photographs, lively text, original art, and a glossary and index.

Evaluation

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

Questions

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

Yes, the book provides multiple opportunities for children to question the photographs and text on the topic of mammals for each page. They can use the text and pictures and illustrations to answer those questions as well.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book encourages children to think on their own by providing visuals that prompt student thoughts and inquiry. This book could include more questions to provide encouragement of individual student thought, because it does not include any as it is now.

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

This text could work for science lessons that are surrounding animals, particularly mammals. It could be used to address many aspects of mammals and could also act as a resource for student research.

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

Yes, the content is based on scientific information of mammals and concrete research. It is accurate information that has been fact checked and comes from the nature library of National Geographic.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The content of the book focuses primarily on fact, no fiction. Therefore, the book does not necessarily distinguish between fact and fiction because fiction is not included.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The visuals are photographs and drawn illustrations on each page of the book. The photographs are clear pictures of mammals and are very accurate, because they are real. The drawn illustrations are also very accurate and include captions next to them for explanation.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, the book  is written so that any age of elementary students can understand. Although some words may not be of 1st grade reading level, the illustrations included allow for students to infer and predict what the text may be saying. It is also a very good book for older students to use as a research resource.

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

The only multicultural aspect for this book would be the different countries that the animals come from. There is no stereotyping within the text either.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book has some bias toward females because it explains how mammals are born and how they are similar to humans. It does not necessarily favor females, it just speaks of them more than males.

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

Yes it shows the close association between animals, mammals, the human body, and explains how science ties into all of these. It explains the plants the mammals eat, the environment they live in, their climates, eating patterns, and many more aspects tying into science and nature.

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

Yes, the book has a very positive attitude toward science, animal processes, nature and how these aspects affect us as humans. It does not really include an attitude towards technology because it is not included in the text.