Children's Science Book Database

The Golden Book of Australian Birds And Mammals

This book allows children to explore different birds and mammals found in Australia. Australia is the home of some of the world’s most unique and unusual wildlife. The book covers 80 birds and mammals in detailed full color illustrations. Each bird or mammal is shown in full color, with a concise but comprehensive description in simple language, listing features such as body characteristics, color, behavior and habitat. A location map shows where each species is found in Australia. This allows students to identify readily a bird or mammal in its own habitat.
  • Author: Frank Haddon
  • Illustrator: Tony Oliver
  • Year Published: 1985
  • ISBN: 0730200116

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

Australia is the home of some of the world's most unique and unusual wildlife. This book captures 80 of Australia's birds and mammals, in detailed full color illustrations. As well as the more common animals, many lesser-known species are represented. For clarity and ease of reference, a field guide format has been adopted. Each bird or mammal is shown in full color, with a concise but comprehensive description in simple language, listing features such as body characteristics, color, behavior and habitat. A location map shows where each species is found in Australia. This allows the user to identify readily a bird or mammal in its own habitat.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book allows children to explore different birds and mammals found in Australia. Australia is the home of some of the world’s most unique and unusual wildlife. The book covers 80 birds and mammals in detailed full color illustrations. Each bird or mammal is shown in full color, with a concise but comprehensive description in simple language, listing features such as body characteristics, color, behavior and habitat. A location map shows where each species is found in Australia. This allows students to identify readily a bird or mammal in its own habitat.

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

The general introduction discusses the structure and classification of Australian birds and mammals, and their place in our environment. Also included are a reading list, a glossary of special terms, and an index for easy reference.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book is an invaluable reference for school projects, as well as making fascinating reading for children and adults. Students can study specific birds and mammals to learn about their size, color, voice, body characteristics, food, nest, eggs, habitat, and threats to survival. If students have ever visited Australia they could make a personal connection of where they have seen them before.

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

The detail in writing and pictures displayed in the book could definitely be used for different lessons. Lessons including topics such as environment, mammals, birds, what animals eat, where they live, etc could use this book as a segway into further study of something more specific.

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

This book clearly and accurately explains characteristics and lifestyle of birds and mammals.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book is completely factual serving as a resource for study or projects that students could use as a tool for reference.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The pictures are very detailed and could give students a close up perspective of what these birds in Australia look like. They can make a visual connection with what they are reading ultimately making the material more meaningful and memorable.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book could be used for multiple grade levels. Depending on what grade the teacher is working with, the teacher would use the material in a way that fit appropriately. For example, in my fifth grade classroom, I could make copies of the book pages and let groups do studies on different birds and then share what they learn. Student’s could also read this during independent work or use it as a resource for writing material.

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

This book is strictly written to describe the birds and mammals found in Australia. It does not contain stereotyping in any way. It is an informational book that gives students an idea of what animals they could find in Australia and how they survive.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, it is free from gender bias. There are no humans in the book, only mammals and birds.

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

The book could be used for multiple subjects- English, writing, art, science.

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

This book does not present technology in the book, but could be used as a tool before using technology. So students could read the material and then use a computer to find more research or write about the birds they read about.