Peculiar Zoo

The inquiry process is fostered by this book because the information given about the animals is engaging and intriguing to where the student will want to investigate more.

• Author: Barry Louis Polisar
• Illustrator: David Clark
• Year Published: 1993
• ISBN: 0-938663-14-3

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This book describes multiple different animals through poems. These poems contain some facts of unique animal breeds that are not often mentioned. There are also fictional portrayals of the animals in cartoon drawings.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The inquiry process is fostered by this book because the information given about the animals is engaging and intriguing to where the student will want to investigate more.

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

The introduction of the different animal breeds along with the short description could prompt students to learn more facts about these unique animals.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book could prompt children to think about their previous knowledge of animals that are similar to the ones mentioned in the book. They could also contribute any additional facts that they know about the animals mentioned in the book since the descriptions are on the short side.

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

I think the topic of animals is addressed in an engaging way for younger elementary students. It encourages the students to think about the topic in a creative way.

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

The base of the information about the animals is factual. It is presented in a way that the students would have to be able to look past the creative way it was written to see the facts.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

There is a fine line between fact and fiction in this book. The textual information is fact while the illustrations are fiction. Some students would be able to reason that the penguins don't actually wear crowns but they do carry their eggs on their feet. However this may be a discussion that is facilitated by this book.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are not completely accurate. But they do show some of the true aspects of the animals in body shape. As mentioned earlier the students would need to notice what is fictionally added to the animals as costume.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written at most students' levels. This would more likely be a read aloud for my students, because I feel they would gain more from hearing the information read to them than focusing on trying to read it.

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

There isn't a multicultural component in the animal portrayals. There is stereotyping of the therapist that is talking to one of the animals in the fictional scenario.

Is the book free from gender bias?

There could be gender bias in portraying the therapist as a man, but other than that there is not.

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

This book could easily be used for a language arts lesson as well. The text is presented in poem form. And the portrayal of the animals incorporates artistic elements.

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

Yes it is presented in an engaging and fun manner that makes the reader want to learn more about animals because of the enjoyable way that the information is communicated.