Plantzilla

This book could show inferring and predicting. Even though the book has fictional aspects to it, there are parts where you can take context clues as well as picture clues to infer and predict. You can also see the entire book is a experiment on feeding a venus fly trap.

• Author: Jerdine Nolan
• Illustrator: David Catrow
• Year Published: 2005
• ISBN: 0152053921

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 8th Grade

Summary

A young boy takes the class venus fly trap home over the summer and adventures ensue.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book could show inferring and predicting. Even though the book has fictional aspects to it, there are parts where you can take context clues as well as picture clues to infer and predict. You can also see the entire book is a experiment on feeding a venus fly trap.

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

The book encourages students to ask the bigger questions in this book. Students have the opportunity to question what is realistic and what may be exaggerated.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book definitely encourages students to think for themselves. They have to determine what parts of the book are realistic and what parts are fictionalized.

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

No, there isn’t much that can be used to support this book as far as teaching a lesson. You could possibly use it as a lesson on experimenting and predicting what will happen, however it wouldn’t be a strong choice as those processes aren’t straightforward enough to be understood.

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

This book is not based on sound scientific principles. Plants don’t eat human food such as burgers and hot dogs that make them grow large enough to take over an entire house.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book doesn’t necessarily distinguish the difference between fact and fiction, however a lot of the material in the book can be distinguished by more common knowledge. For example, students would know that plants don’t eat hamburgers.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are disproportionate and inaccurate. The people are represented with disproportionate body parts (i.e. skinny neck, round waist). The book accurately portrays a venus fly trap despite the size of it, however it fits with the details of the story.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is very doable for students, and very accessible. The book is written in letterform, and parts are written in cursive. The most challenging part of this book would be reading the cursive font.

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

There does seem to be a multicultural component in the illustrations. The illustrations suggest people of various colors, however there is no outward mention of any diversity culturally in the book.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book’s main character is a boy, however there is no gender bias throughout the book. In fact the teacher in the story was a male when the ‘stereotypical’ teacher is predominately a woman. The illustrations also suggest reversed gender roles.

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

The book depicts science through the story line, but also depicts language arts. The book is written in letterform, which can help reiterate the style of a letter.

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

The book could depict a negative attitude toward science because eventually the venus flytrap gets out of control. This is the fictional part of the book that could portray a negative aspect of science.