Stellaluna

Yes, children begin to see the differences between the two animals. Bats fly at night while birds sleep at night. Children can identify key characteristics between the two.

• Author: Janell Cannon
• Year Published: 1993

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

A baby bat named Stellaluna gets separated from her mother and falls into an owl's nest. The mom owl says that Stellaluna can be a part of their family only if she eats bugs, sleeps at night, and doesn't hang by her feet. One night, Stellaluna flies until her wings get tired so she hangs by her feet on a branch. Soon Stellaluna is greeted by other bats and soon reunites with her mother. Stellaluna returns to her bird friends and realizes that they are different from one another but are still friends and family.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, children begin to see the differences between the two animals. Bats fly at night while birds sleep at night. Children can identify key characteristics between the two.

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

Yes, students may have wonderings about Stellaluna and what happens to her that will be answered at end. Students may wonder why bats hang from their feet and they will have an answer by the end of the book.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, children can form inferences about what is going to happen to Stellaluna and if she will see her mother again. They also can think about what it means when an animal is more active at night.

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

Yes, I think the lesson could be about the characteristics and different habitats between different animals. Children could learn about how animals have certain things that help them survive.

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

Yes, the content is very simple and to the point. Teachers would not need a lot of knowledge about the book's content to know that the information being provided is accurate.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes, the book has animals that are talking which would not happen in real life, so it is fiction. The book also has factual information about bats and about birds, so it has non-fiction information as well.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, students are able to interpret what is happening by looking at the pictures. The pictures would be helpful to students with learning disabilities because they could tell what was happening in the story based on the illustrations.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, the words used are very easy to understand. There may be some words that students are unfamiliar with but a teacher can address these before reading the story.

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

Yes, there are no racial or ethnic issues in the text since the story is based on animals. There should not be any issues with stereotyping since the text focuses on the way that animals survive and their different characteristics.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, students can't really tell what gender the animals are. The book is free of gender bias because the animals do not specifically state whether they are a boy or a girl

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

Yes, the book focuses on a story about a bat learning a new way of life and reuniting with her mother. It also focuses on the different aspects of birds and the way they live/survive and the way that bats live/survive.

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

Yes, there is only a positive attitude presented towards science because technology is not mentioned in the book. Students learn that despite the differences between two animals, they are still friends. It teaches that it's okay to be different.