Tale of a Tadpole

The main process this book fosters is observation. A little girl is observing her tadpole growing every day. By the end of it, they are classifying the observed frog, which their grandparents actually inform them is a toad. There’s a lot of communication between the children and their grandparents. But by far, the main process this book fosters is observation.

• Author: Barbara Ann Porte
• Illustrator: Annie Cannon
• Year Published: 1997
• ISBN: 0531300498

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

The natural world doesn't work the way fairy tales do, but it still has its fair share of enchantments. With text and pictures that are both scientifically accurate and totally true to the comedies of family life, this is a happily-ever-after tale of an unexpected transformation of a tadpole to a toad.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The main process this book fosters is observation. A little girl is observing her tadpole growing every day. By the end of it, they are classifying the observed frog, which their grandparents actually inform them is a toad. There’s a lot of communication between the children and their grandparents. But by far, the main process this book fosters is observation.

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

I’m sure there would be a lot of questions from children about how tadpoles become frogs or toads. This book even answers some foreseen questions, for example, the little girl stops feeding the tadpole when it has its four legs, because she learned that tadpoles hold their nutrients in their tail at that point for growth. The book doesn’t give all the answers, however, like why toads bury themselves in dirt. For this, they would have to make an inference.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I am not sure it actively encourages children to think for themselves, but I do think there are a lot of pictures and information that would make the children think. For example, children would probably wonder about the classification of frogs and toads and why toads bury themselves in dirt. They might think about why frogs are even born as tadpoles in the first place.

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

The science topics are definitely addressed appropriately. The narrative is told through the eyes of a little girl observing a tadpole growing into a toad. Children would not only be able to relate to the little girl making observations about something natural, but also the story is engaging for the younger kids. It’s both informational and entertaining.

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

Yes, the content is based on sound scientific principles and is accurate. It shows the growth of a tadpole into a toad, starting as a tadpole with just a tail, to growing back legs and then front legs, and then its tail slowly going away. It also provides accurate differentiation between a frog and toad.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes, the little girl’s sister jokes throughout the book that if the little girl kisses the tadpole, it will turn into a prince. However, the book clearly states through the narration, that this is just from fairy tales. This is ongoing and the little girl always just ignores her sister.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are beautiful watercolors. There are pages with panels illustrating movements and growth of the tadpole to a toad. You can clearly get a feel for the tadpole’s habitat and the excitement the family feels to watch the tadpole grow.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I think this would be a great book for my students in 2^nd Grade. I also think it could work for children younger as well. Generally, children are very interested in tadpoles and that’s a common unit of study in elementary science. My students would clearly understand the how a tadpole develops into a frog/toad.

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

There is no multicultural component. The family seems completely white. The white family are the only characters shown besides the frog.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is not necessarily free from gender bias, assuming that the girl would be interested in kissing the frog in order for it to become a prince. Almost like saying that a girl’s motive for housing a tadpole was just to find a man/prince, not at all for informational purposes. The little girl’s sister could be assuming the girl likes boys.

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

No, it does not show close association, but with reading children’s literature for a science component, you could always attach a reading/writing lesson to it. You could have your students write about how tadpoles grow into toads. You could easily do a lesson on prediction while reading for comprehension. This book leaves many moments for students to think about what the tadpole will look like from page to page.

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

Yes, this book does present a positive attitude toward science. Although, it does not have a technology aspect, the characters in this story are genuinely excited to see the tadpole grow. It will engage the students reading and make them excited as well.