Molly’s Seasons

This book fosters development of some of the basic processes: such as observing and classifying.

• Author: Ellen Kandoian
• Illustrator: Ellen Kandoian
• Year Published: 1992
• ISBN: 0525650768

Science Topics

• Space Science
• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

The character in the book, Molly, takes the reader on a journey as she goes through the four different seasons she experiences. During the journey, she also teaches its readers about how seasons work and how they are similar and/or different to countries around the world.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: High
• Accuracy: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book fosters development of some of the basic processes: such as observing and classifying.

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

As students read through this book, they can ask themselves questions about seasons in other parts of the world and answer their questions independently.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Students are encouraged to think for themselves, because the character in the book models asking her own questions and seeking out an answer to her question.

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

This topic of seasons and how seasons work around the world are appropriately taught in this book and the information could be used in a unit about seasons.

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

The content present in this book about seasons is accurate and has been proven factual in the scientific world.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book has a clear divide between the factual and diction information in the book. The actual information taught in the book is factual, but the characters and the activities they are partaking in during each season is technically fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations deepen the reader’s understanding of seasons, because they accurately depict what type of weather and climate exists during different seasons.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book could be used during independent reading time or a read aloud, and would be considered to be at a 2nd or 3rd grade on-level. This level is based off of the content, vocabulary, and amount of text.

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

The main character, Molly, is breaking the stereotype that girls aren’t interested in learning about science. However, some would argue that this book aligns with a stereotype by having people of color in the illustrations of the rainforest (and white people in all other locations).

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book doesn’t hold gender bias, because Molly is a girl and is present throughout the whole book about learning and knowing seasons. Ollie, a boy character in the story, it also present but has a smaller role in the book.

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

The book places emphasis on geography as it teaches its readers about seasons around the world.

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

There is a major positive attitude presented in this book when it comes to learning science, with the emphasis on learning about seasons.