Children's Science Book Database

Moon Bear

Yes, this book facilitates the development of process of observation, classification and prediction. Throughout the book, it asks a a series of questions that initiates the reader to use observation and prediction to answer them eg. "Who claws the tree trunks in the rhododedron forest?" Furthermore, the students can observe the illustrations and predict the bear's habitat. The teacher could go more in depth depending on the grade level with additional questions like "if the bear eats ants and berries" what kind of animal is he? (herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore). "Why do you think moon bears mark their territories?" They could predict with scaffolding questions like "Why do you think the moon bear is eating more food in the winter?"Moon Bear
  • Author: Brenda Z. Guiberson
  • Illustrator: Ed Young
  • Year Published: 2010
  • ISBN: 978-0-8050-8977-6

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

Moon Bear is a children's book following the life of a asian black bear, also known as moon bear, beginning with waking up from hibernation. The story is set to be a series of questions and answers that reveal facts about the moon bear like where he lives, what he eats, and what he does throughout his day.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, this book facilitates the development of process of observation, classification and prediction. Throughout the book, it asks a a series of questions that initiates the reader to use observation and prediction to answer them eg. "Who claws the tree trunks in the rhododedron forest?" Furthermore, the students can observe the illustrations and predict the bear's habitat. The teacher could go more in depth depending on the grade level with additional questions like "if the bear eats ants and berries" what kind of animal is he? (herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore). "Why do you think moon bears mark their territories?" They could predict with scaffolding questions like "Why do you think the moon bear is eating more food in the winter?"

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

Yes, this book is set up in a way where we follow the moon bear's life through questions that then provide answers. The teacher could ask the students to answer the questions using the pictures provided before revealing the answer. Additionally, this book provide more room for more in depth questions the the students can explore.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, the book asks for the reader to predict throughout the book what the answer could be by not just providing a vague answer like the moon bear but also a reason the bear might be engaging that activity.

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

The content is appropriate to the lesson.

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

Yes, the content is based on sound scientific principles. It takes the reader into a life of an asiatic black bear where it reveals accurate facts that details where they live, what they eat, where they sleep, and many more activities it engages to prepare for hibernation.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes, this book narrates the life of a moon bear using many adjetives but does not give the moon bear any humanlike characteristics like dialogue or a plot where the moon bear would have to find a solution to a problem.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Although the illustrations are in collage form, this book does a great job in using a mix of real photographs of the moon bear's environment and the collage illustration of the moon bear. The illustration's style shows to be a nearly accurate representation of real life.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book is appropriate for grades PreK through 3rd grade. The vocabulary used is very descriptive. Scientific terminology can be introduced by the teacher that accompanies the descriptive details of the book like "long winter snooze" to hibernation.

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

There isn't any multicultural component to this book. It is free from stereotyping because there isn't any characters that are people in the book nor does it feature any cultures.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, this book is free from gender bias. Although the book features a female bear, there are no gender roles that are mentioned in the book.

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

This book demonstrates very little close association with science and other disciplines. This book features activities of a asian black bear in nature in actions that can be related to students like sleeping and eating.

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

This book definitely presents a positive attitude towards science. It uses wonderful descriptive language to take the reader on a journey in a bear's life. It, however, doesn't feature any technology