Children's Science Book Database

The Mouse and The Elephant

Yes, the book fosters the development of processes. The book covers a series of question one can ask about comparing the size of a mouse and elephant and puts it into perspective. Therefore, readers go through a series of inquiry that connect with the photographs. Readers then are asked to make predictions and inferences based on the illustrations and the measurements (informal) readers are able to understand.The Mouse and The Elephant
  • Author: Joan Hewett
  • Illustrator: Photographs by Richard Hewett
  • Year Published: 1977
  • ISBN: 0316359661

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

"What if a mouse lived with an elephant?"" By way of answering this fanciful question, Hewett's full-page photographs show the mouse against what could be a caked-mud plain (but is really the elephant's ear) or a grassier landscape (""it's skin""); then he switches to a longer shot of the elephant, with the mouse a tiny spot on its head. Least satisfactory are the cluttered, fuzzy medium views With neither mouse nor elephant in focus--but there isn't a neat composition or striking juxtaposition in the lot. And Joan Hewett's 100-word text serves only to identify the elephant parts that make up the background or to ask still more silly questions. (""Would it be dangerous? . . . Could they become friends?"") True, size discrepancies are of particular interest to children--but the idea is to make something of them" (Kirkus).

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book fosters the development of processes. The book covers a series of question one can ask about comparing the size of a mouse and elephant and puts it into perspective. Therefore, readers go through a series of inquiry that connect with the photographs. Readers then are asked to make predictions and inferences based on the illustrations and the measurements (informal) readers are able to understand.

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

Yes! The book begins and ends with a question without ever giving a specific right or wrong answer. Therefore children are not only being asked questions but they are required to ask their own questions and also encouraged to come up with their own questions as well.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

As mentioned above, the book never gives a right or wrong answer to any of the questions asked. Therefore, the reading really encourages children to make their own conclusions based on their on thoughts and ideas.

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

I feel that the book could be used to address a variety of science topics. The book could be used to cover topics such as relative size, perspective, and also cause and effect. If the lesson was targeted to address such science topics, the book would be a good resource to use as an introduction.

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

The book does not explicitly deliver scientific principles; however, the content of the text is an accurate depiction of the processes of science and inquiry.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The photographs help distinguish the text from a fact or fiction book. The photograph and reasonable questions help readers understand that the text is based on factual information.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Like mentioned above, the illustrations are photographs. The photographer, Richard Hewett, makes it clear in his photographs the idea and details he hopes to deliver to his readers.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I would say that the text is lower than the level of my students in my current placement. The photographs and text could be used to facilitate rich conversations from all grade levels; however, I would say that the audience is so a younger grade level.

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

There are no multicultural components in the book. Because the book is based comparing the size between an elephant and mouse, it is free from stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book is free from any gender bias. The text does not incorporate any gender issues or identification; therefore, it is safe to say that the book is free from gender bias.

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

The book could be used closely with math and possibly a lesson on comparing.

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

The text does present a positive attitude toward science and the science processes. However, the book does not present an attitude towards technology. There is no clear representation of technology within the book.