Tale of a Tadpole

I think this book is a great way to talk about how to make observations and record data. The little girl in the book watches how the tadpole grows and also uses observations to decide if the animal is a frog or a toad.

• Author: Barbara Ann Porte
• Illustrator: Annie Cannon
• Year Published: 1997
• ISBN: 0-531-30049-8

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

Francine is carefully tending her tadpole, Fred, and eagerly watching for the first sign of frog feet. But her older sister, recalling fairy tales about frogs who turn into princes, suggests a different approach. "Have you tried kissing Fred?" she asks. And although Francine ignores that suggestion, she can't help noticing that something quite surprising is happening to Fred.... 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 unexpected transformations.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

I think this book is a great way to talk about how to make observations and record data. The little girl in the book watches how the tadpole grows and also uses observations to decide if the animal is a frog or a toad.

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

Students can use this book to make great predictions about what they think will happen next with the tadpole and can ask themselves what the girl should do with the frog once it's fully grown.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I think there are times in the story where students can think of themselves but the tadpole process is mostly explained to the reader.

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

I think it's a great way to start a unit on the life cycles as well as have a discussion about adaptations between toads and frogs.

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

The book is very accurate to the life cycle of a tadpole and highlights the differences between frogs and toad.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is clearly very factual.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations do a great job of showing each stage of the lifecycle of the tadpole and the characteristics of the animal

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book would be great for the lower elementary grades because the language is very straightforward and easy to understand. It might be too basic for the upper grades.

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

The book is not very multicultural. It only exhibits an all-white family.

Is the book free from gender bias?

There are many references by the older sister to kissing the frog (assumedly a prince) in order to become a princess. If it came up only once I might brush it to the side, but it is brought up multiple times which makes me believe that it is perpetuating gender stereotypes about women.

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

There are mostly only science ideas in this book.

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

The book presents scientific inquiry as exciting and in the real world around us!