The First Bear in Africa!

Yes.  The book is a good depiction of the African savannah and the animals and landscape that they have.  It also is a good representation of the people and is a story told through the eyes of a child so other children will be able to relate.

• Author: Satomi Ichikawa
• Illustrator: Philomel
• Year Published: 2001
• ISBN: 0399234853

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

A little car drops her teddy bear in the African savannah. Meto finds it and takes it around the marshes and shows his animal friends and they have never seen such a strange creature.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes.  The book is a good depiction of the African savannah and the animals and landscape that they have.  It also is a good representation of the people and is a story told through the eyes of a child so other children will be able to relate.

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

Yes.  The book is about a teddy bear lost in the African savannah so the children can ask themselves why the people are so unfamiliar with the bear.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

It can encourage the children to think about another culture and another part of the world and the different way they live.

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

If students are studying different landscapes this is a good representation of the African savannah.

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

Yes.  There is no bears in the African savannah and all the information provided is accurate.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes. Everything in the book is fact.  Children will easily be able to see that a toy teddy bear is fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes. They all look very realistic.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, it is a good book appropriate for many students.

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

Yes.  It shows a tourist visiting Africa and then shows the African culture in a very realistic way.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes.

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

It shows a representation between different cultures.

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

Yes.  A student would be more interested in learning about the African savannah.