The Little Fir Tree

I don't believe this book fosters the development of processes. It is written more in a story form inside of a picture book.

Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrator: Jim Lamarche
Year Published: 1982
ISBN: 0-06-028-189-8

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

4th Grade

Summary

In this holiday story, a little fir tree dreams of being part of a big forest. One day he becomes the center of a little boy's christmas. Once returned to the forest after the holiday, the little fir tree goes through the progression of seasons, until he returns to the home once again for the holiday.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

I don't believe this book fosters the development of processes. It is written more in a story form inside of a picture book.

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

The book touches on the progression of seasons. There isn't a ton of information on the seasons, but provides a little insight. This can spark a thought in the students' heads to form questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book gives a small insight into the seasons and how the tree changes. The children can build their own knowledge and come to their own conclusions as the book progresses and the tree changes.

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

The science topic of seasons is a small introduction on the progression of seasons and how the tree changes. It presents seasons in a basic introduction and allows students to construct their own knowledge and ask further questions.

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

The book does present the scientific principles accurately. It is a basic introduction, but the information is accurate.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is written in a realistic fiction form. The book doesn't explicitly distinguish between the story parts and the fiction parts, but it can be concluded which parts are factual.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations accurately show the seasons. The seasons show the stereotypical ways the seasons look, but if students live in a way that the weather doesn't "match" the seasons, it can be confusing.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book has a wide range of appropriate levels. It can be used as a read-aloud or independent read. The book is written at an appropriate level to be accessible for all students.

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

The book only shows light skinned (what I assume to be white) children. Additionally, it shows the basic celebration of christmas which not every child celebrates.

Is the book free from gender bias?

I didn't find any gender biases in this book. The focus is on a little boy's christmas, but doesn't create a bias.

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

This book can be associated with reading and writing. The book is in a chronological story form. There are many literary components included that can be tied together with science.

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

The book does talk about the scientific topics in a positive way. It talks about the seasons in a nice, inviting way. Additionally, the progression of the tree's life is shown in a way that is relevant to us all