The Tiny Seed

The book talks about the various places that seeds end up and how they die. But it doesn't say why they die. The book is very open to discuss why the seeds don't survive for various reasons.  In this aspect, I think it is neutral, because it isn't explicit how plants grow, but it does give information about it.

• Author: Eric Carle
• Illustrator: Eric Carle
• Year Published: 1970
• ISBN: 9781416979173

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

The Tiny Seed follows the story of a group of seeds that end up in different places. After the seeds land, some die off. We follow the tiniest seed as it grows throughout the seasons.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book talks about the various places that seeds end up and how they die. But it doesn't say why they die. The book is very open to discuss why the seeds don't survive for various reasons.  In this aspect, I think it is neutral, because it isn't explicit how plants grow, but it does give information about it.

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

I think the book is very open to discussion. It says often the seed dies, but it doesn't say why. In this aspect, I think that the kids can ask why or discuss with each other as to why they think specific seeds didn't survive. They can also investigate and figure out why the tiniest seed lived.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I think that the book doesn't encourage or discourage kids to think for themselves. It has an interesting balance of being a literary piece and being scientifically thought provoking. It doesn't provide direct answers, so I think it is more encouraging rather than discouraging.

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

Yes, the students could easily investigate what conditions help plants grow. The book provides thinking points in this aspect, because it has some extreme locations (on top of a mountain, in the desert, etc.). The kids would be able to put seeds in different locations around school/home/community/etc. that could help them learn more about plant growth.

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

The principles are pretty basic. Seeds will die in different conditions. It's not a controversial subject and may use extremes to get the point across. But it is based on sound evidence when considering a basic flower.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book ties in science into a fictional story. A group of seeds would probably not blow all over the world (desert, mountain, ocean, etc.). The tiniest seed would not grow up to be a flower that is taller than a house. However, it does talk about conditions that will cause a flower or seed to not grow.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear, but not accurate. Scale sizing is off and a flower would not grow to be taller than a house. The illustrations are meant to be artsy, because it's Eric Carle and that's what he does.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is more intended for students kindergarten to third grade. My students are in 4th grade. I would say that the students could still enjoy it to an extent, but most are more advanced and may find it too easy.

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

There are different people represented in the illustrations, but they are not an integral part of the story. And the illustrations are done tastefully. From what I can see, this book is free from stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias. It focuses on a seed and doesn't really cater to any gender in particular. I think any gender would enjoy this book.

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

It doesn't really show a close association between science and other disciplines. This is an area that could be improved upon. It's a nice literary book with aspects of science, but the language and illustrations don't pull together various disciplines into science.

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

It is neutral in my opinion. It doesn't necessarily promote or degrade science or technology. It's very focused on nature, but not on the practice of science or using technology.