Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf

Yes, there is new vocabulary that would require a younger reader to use context clues in order to make meaning. There are subjects such as the moving of trees from the forest to the nursery that would likely be new ideas to the reader. As the sequence of the story develops, the reader will likely make predictions about what will happen next.

• Author: Lois Ehlert
• Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
• Year Published: 1991
• ISBN: 0152661972

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Summary

This book describes the process from which a seed sprouts into a plant in the forest, to the time that it is purchased by a customer in a garden center. It describes the cycle of how tree blossom in the summer, lose their leaves in the fall, and go dormant in the winter.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, there is new vocabulary that would require a younger reader to use context clues in order to make meaning. There are subjects such as the moving of trees from the forest to the nursery that would likely be new ideas to the reader. As the sequence of the story develops, the reader will likely make predictions about what will happen next.

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

Yes. There are different points during which the reader can ask questions about what will happen next and make predictions or explanatory guesses about the sequence of events, and in the next couple of pages, their questions will be answered as they read on.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book doesn't necessarily encourage free thinking or high levels of inquiry. Not many questions are posed; the book is mostly just information being given. There isn't much left for readers to individually interpret.

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

Yes, the topic is addressed in a way that is appropriate for any lesson that pertains to the life cycle of trees, or how seeds are distributed through forests before they take root. It would also be an appropriate book for a lesson about the economics of the forest/nursery industry.

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

Yes, the book is very scientifically accurate and based on sound principles. It is an explanation of the life cycle of a tree, which is something any child can see for themselves as the seasons progress. Throughout the book there are lots of scientific names of plants listed, and in the back of the book there can be found a glossary with pictures of common tree parts.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is told from a narrator's perspective, but the story is entirely based on facts. The book uses scientific labeling and a scientific glossary to let the reader know that the process they are reading about is one that really occurs.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are both clear and accurate. Photographs and handmade artwork are blended in collage style illustrations throughout the book. For example, there is what appears to be a drawing of a bird on one page, but an actual photograph of tree roots on another. All of the pictures, even the drawings, are accurate.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, I would find this book appropriate to use with my second grade class. The story itself is short and easy to follow, but does use some language and vocabulary that I would choose to discuss with my class, since some of them may be unfamiliar with certain labels of plants, such as "maple tree".

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

The book doesn't depict the races or ethnicities of any of the characters. We know there is a narrator, and the father of the narrator is mentioned, but we as the readers do not know what race they are. Therefore, it is free of stereotyping of any kind.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes. A gender is not designated to the narrator using any specific pronouns, and we don't see any illustrations of him or her in the book, so the narrator could either be male or female.

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

The book touches on the relationship between science and economics in that it discussed trees being brought to a garden center and then purchased. No other disciplines are discussed in relation to the subject.

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

The book doesn't discuss technology in any capacity, so the attitude towards this subject is neutral.