Moonbear’s Shadow

This book foster's a little development of understanding shadows. It introduces a shadow and talks briefly about shadows in relation to the sun. It talks about shadows disappearing at noon and changing between morning and afternoon.

Author: Frank Asch
Illustrator: Frank Asch
Year Published: 2000
ISBN: 0689835191

Summary

This book tells the story of a bear trying to catch a fish in the pond. In the morning his shadow is in the pond and prevents him from catching anything. He spends the day trying to get rid of his shadow. By the afternoon when he goes back to the pond his shadow has moved and it doesn't interfere with his fishing.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

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

The book does not provide much of an opportunity for students to ask questions or have their questions answered. I think it would be important for a teacher to have a follow up lesson or other activity to discuss shadows. I think kids will enjoy the story but not have much more understanding of shadows without support from the teacher.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book does not really encourage students to think for themselves. It just introduces the Bear and his shadow and talks about his day. There is not much room for inquiry without teacher support.

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

Yes, I do believe the science topic was addressed appropriately. Shadows are discussed extensively and with relation to the Sun. Kids see their shadows every day so I think it would be appropriate for them to think a bear sees his shadow on sunny days too.

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

The content is sound and accurate. There is only a few explanations about Sun position and shadows so not much to be incorrect about.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book is a fiction story but does tie in the fact about the shadows. I think students would be able to distinguish the differences between facts about shadows and the fiction story.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are fairly clear. I liked that most pages had the Sun in the picture to portray an accurate representation of shadow casting. I think this alone could be something that students can go outside and explore.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, I do believe the book is written at the level of my students. The language is pretty simple and understandable. I think it could be introduced as early as Kindergarten. It is simpler concepts so after 2nd grade students may be bored with talking about the basics of shadows.

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

There is not much of a multicultural component. There is no stereotyping either. It is because the main character is a bear fishing at a pond trying to run away from his shadow.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free of gender bias mainly because there aren't genders discussed. Bear is a boy but there aren't any implications that would create bias.

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

This book does not associate science with other disciplines. Since it is a fiction story, integration is not really addressed.

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

Science can be seen everyday in our nature habitat. I think this creates a positive attitude toward science.

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level