The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal

The book fosters growth in the facts about the sun and how there's so much knowledge about space to be known. It is a lot of information so if it were to be taught in class, teachers would need to scaffold it.

• Author: Nick Seluk
• Illustrator: Nick Seluk
• Year Published: 2018
• ISBN: 1338166972

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 5th Grade

Summary

Nick Seluk explains the intricacy's and importances of the Sun's job through funny illustrations. The illustrations and texts give facts about space!

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book fosters growth in the facts about the sun and how there's so much knowledge about space to be known. It is a lot of information so if it were to be taught in class, teachers would need to scaffold it.

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

Yes. The book even asks questions to readers pertaining certain material about the sun. Things such as "what if" or "fun facts" are interlaced throughout the book.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes! It compares and contrasts different settings and planets and how the sun needs it to survive. It allows students to think through topics without giving all the facts and information by comparing and contrasting it to real life situations.

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

Yes. Space is addressed in a way that is developmentally appropriate and also interesting to the student. Because of the relevancy to a child's life, this would be a great tool for students to use to study and use as an inquiry lesson.

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

Yes. It is very accurate. It had a lot of good, accurate information. It also brought up some points that I didn't know.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book distinguishes between fact and fiction through the text and voice of the characters (i.e. the planets). The facts are clearly displayed and the fiction piece of it helps students understand it.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes. The illustrations are clear and accurate. The illustrator and author are the same so they have the same ideas weaved throughout.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is dense yet funny and accurate. The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal can be used for any level at any capacity. There could be just one or two facts that the students could focus on and research more about it.

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

There is no multicultural component because it's mostly about facts. I can't tell whether or not it's free from stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

It seems not to put in much gender except the teacher can read certain ideas in a gender-based voice. The planets seem to be non-gendered. The planets have text bubbles and that's where I think the only piece of gender could come in.

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

No. The book mainly focuses on science and its discipline in that. It does touch upon different topics in science, such as life science.

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

It does not speak too much about STEM fields and how it correlates. The book is mostly about science and how the sun is a big deal to our universe. Because STEM is not integrated, I don't know if there's an attitude in it at all.