Sleep, Black Bear, Sleep

I think that this book uses observation, predicting, hypothesizing, communicating and inferring. I don’t think you could use it to demonstrate all of the scientific processes but definitely for some. The book itself could be used to introduce some different processes and then expand on later on with an experiment.

• Author: Jane Yolen & Heidi E. Y. Stemple
• Illustrator: Brooke Dyer
• Year Published: 2007

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This story tells about different animals and the characteristics of their hibernation. It shows different animals and the different places that they hibernate during the winter.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

I think that this book uses observation, predicting, hypothesizing, communicating and inferring. I don’t think you could use it to demonstrate all of the scientific processes but definitely for some. The book itself could be used to introduce some different processes and then expand on later on with an experiment.

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

The children could question why some animals hibernate in different places. In order to answer them they could read this book and then experiment afterwards. A possible experiment could include the different outer layers of animal’s fur, or shell, etc. and seeing which types of environments would be best for them to hibernate in.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I think this book does encourage the children to think for themselves. Each page talks about a different animal and where they would hibernate. This gives students to opportunity to think of why the animal would hibernate in that particular place. It also allows the students to think about which animals hibernate and why.

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

You could use this book to talk about seasons, as well. You could link it to hibernating animals and also seasons. This way you could link two lessons together or review a previous lesson.

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

It is based on sound scientific principles. It is accurate in that it shows where each animal hibernates and accurately portrays animals that do hibernate. However, it makes the animals act like humans too. They are dressed in pajamas and have fireplaces, hats, beds, etc. which is inaccurate.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does not necessarily distinguish between fact and fiction. The animals are dressed and live in “homes”, which is fiction. However, most pages talk about location and also seasons, which is fact. There are mixed together in the story, which could be confusing for children.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are great. They are clear and accurate in the sense that the animal’s look like they do in real life. The only inaccurate thing is that the animals have human characteristics in some ways.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I think this book would be great for my second graders. I think it is on a level that could be read aloud to them and they would understand. I would definitely use it in my classroom and use the fact that the animals have human characteristics as a teaching moment. I would ask them what is not a fact about the drawings. This would prompt them to think further and also possibly talk in groups before responding.

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

There is no multicultural component because it is about animals. It is free from stereotyping. This question does not really apply to this story.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias. There is one child at the end of the story and it does not say if the child is a boy or a girl. The animals are also not identified as boy or girl.

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

I wouldn’t say this book has a close association between science and other disciplines. I think that it is a good book to use but wouldn’t say it has association.

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

I think it presents a positive attitude towards science. Technology is not mentioned in the book, though. The authors clearly wanted to portray science while presenting it in a way that children can enjoy and relate to.