The Truth About Cats

I don't think this book fosters the development of processes. This book states the story as facts.

• Author: Alan Snow
• Year Published: 1996
• ISBN: 3004704779

Science Topics

• Space Science
• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This book explains the truth about cats. It starts out showing us where they come from and the anatomy of a cat. It explains how felines and canines come from Planet Nip and have traveled through spaceships to arrive to Earth.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

I don't think this book fosters the development of processes. This book states the story as facts.

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

I think it allows children to think about the accuracy of the book's explanation about cats. There are many parts of this book that I hope children will not believe to be true. I think the book's inaccuracy could be used to talk about what is true about cats.

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

I don't think this book is appropriate for any lessons. The whole book is about a made up explanation of cats. I don't see why you would want to use this book to strengthen a lesson.

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

This is not based on sound scientific principles. It shows that the anatomy of cats is little smaller cats on computers controlling the cat's decisions. It also claims that cats and dogs come from a planet called Nips.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

There is no distinction between fact and fiction. Everything in this book is fiction. The fiction is made to look like facts, using illustrations and diagrams.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are a big component of this book. Most of the story has you looking at diagrams, comic strips, or quote bubbles. The book is not written as a traditional book, but instead wraps around the illustrations, making the pictures the focus.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I think it is written at the level of my 4th grade students. I'm not sure that it would be interesting for them.

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

There is no multicultural component to this book. It is about cats and dogs. It stereotypes dogs and cats...

Is the book free from gender bias?

I do believe this book is free from gender bias. I don't think gender bias is an issue in this book because there is no mention of gender throughout the book. The book is centered around the cats and and dogs.

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

I think this book does show an association between science and other disciplines. It combines history with science by explaining the history of cats and dogs.

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

I don't think this book presents a negative attitude toward science and technology. I don't believe it presents it in a very positive attitude either. Overall this book has a very neutral attitude. I like that is does present the story kind of like a science book, but the material inside is inaccurate.