Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrants Tale

This book allows students to connect with an entertaining story that uses animals to represent different levels of power. Although there is characterization involved the animals represent different predators in the desert biome and shows their relationships.

• Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
• Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh
• Year Published: 2018
• ISBN: 978-1-4197-0583-0

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 5th Grade

Summary

Pancho, a young rabbit set route up north to go find his papa rabbit that left years ago to go work in the carrot feels up north to earn money for the family. In his journey he encounters a coyote who offers to help Pancho in exchange for some of Papa's food. They travel together until the food is gone and the coyote decides he is still hungry, but since Pancho has no food left, he is now in danger. This story meant to represent the hardships of migrants traveling through Texas.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book allows students to connect with an entertaining story that uses animals to represent different levels of power. Although there is characterization involved the animals represent different predators in the desert biome and shows their relationships.

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

It provides opportunities to make predictions and make personal connections that students can discuss with each other.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, children are able to think about the relationships between the animals.

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

The scientific principles are not accurate, as animals eat inaccurate foods.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

It does not, it is a fictional story that personifies various desert animals.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, they clearly convey the animals.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, the text is appropriate for a read aloud at all grades, but is best at mid-high grades for independent reading.

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

Yes, this is one of the parts of the book that really shines, it connects a fictional story with some people's cultural experiences.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, gender is not discussed throughout the book.

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

Yes, it connects ideas about an ecosystem through an interesting fictional story.

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

Not applicable to this text.