Children's Science Book Database

The Reason for a Flower: A Book about Flowers, Pollen, and Seeds

Yes, the book fosters the development of the processes of observation, classification, and prediction. There are several points where the teacher could ask students to explain what is happening in the picture, e.g. What are the hummingbirds/bees/butterflies/beetles/bats doing at the flower? (Drinking nectar or collecting pollen) How do they know where it's located? (Color/scent of the flowers). Children could also be asked to predict what they think will happen on the next page, for instance "What will happen after a seed falls on the ground?" (It may grow into a tree).The Reason for a Flower: A Book about Flowers, Pollen, and Seeds
  • Author: Ruth Heller
  • Year Published: 1999
  • ISBN: 0698115597

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

This book about how pollination leads to seed production and dispersion, and eventually the growth of a new plant. It is beautifully illustrated and poetically written.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book fosters the development of the processes of observation, classification, and prediction. There are several points where the teacher could ask students to explain what is happening in the picture, e.g. What are the hummingbirds/bees/butterflies/beetles/bats doing at the flower? (Drinking nectar or collecting pollen) How do they know where it's located? (Color/scent of the flowers). Children could also be asked to predict what they think will happen on the next page, for instance "What will happen after a seed falls on the ground?" (It may grow into a tree).

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

Yes, if the children asked questions about the drawings first before reading the descriptions, they would be able to ask and answer their own questions. For instance, if they asked, "what is the seed doing on the rabbit's fur?" they would find out that the seed is being carried far away.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The encouragement is never explicit (the book never asks them to predict or think), but there are implicit pauses built in by turning the pages that allow for students to wonder what will happen next. Because there are minimal words in the book, children may want to add their own commentary.

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

The content is appropriate to the lesson.

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

Yes, the content is based on sound principles. It shows how pollen has to go from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another in order for pollination to occur. After pollination, flowers produce seeds (and fruits), which can eventually grow into a new plant. The one scientific inaccuracy is on the last page, where the drawing of a mushroom is described as a "plant without a flower." This is inaccurate because mushrooms are not in the plant kingdom. In fact, they are more closely related to animals than they are to plants!

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book is factual, so there is no need to distinguish.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations are beautiful, hyper-realistic drawings. The colors and shapes are exaggerated for effect, but they are still very recognizable and overall accurate.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book is an appropriate level for students grades K-4. There are a few vocabulary words deliberately introduced and accompanied by helpful illustrations, including herbivore, carnivore, stamen, anther, style, and stigma.

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

There is no multicultural component, but it is free from stereotyping because there are no people (apart from the leg of a child riding a bike) or cultures represented in the book.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book is free from gender bias. There are no female or male characters in the book.

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

There is very little connection made between science and the other disciplines. However, the book makes an interesting connection to common materials by showing many items that come from plants (e.g. wood, paper, cotton, coffee, chocolate). This isn't a disciplinary connection but it's an important connection to everyday life!

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

Yes, absolutely! The book maintains a curious, sometimes even wonderstruck, tone toward plant science. However, there is very little technology in the book.