Turtle Day

The book has vibrant and interesting pictures for the students to practice the process of observation. The students can really look at the illustrations and have discussions about it. However, the illustrations are somewhat limited. There is not a whole lot of detail in the illustrations.

• Author: Douglas Florian
• Illustrator: Douglas Florian
• Year Published: 1989
• ISBN: 0-690-0474745-2

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Summary

This book is about a turtle going about his day. From sleeping to sun bathing, this book is filled with easy to read text and simple drawings with bright colors!

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book has vibrant and interesting pictures for the students to practice the process of observation. The students can really look at the illustrations and have discussions about it. However, the illustrations are somewhat limited. There is not a whole lot of detail in the illustrations.

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

Not really. The book is very basic and straightforward. The book is about the events a turtle goes through in a day, but it states things like, “Early in the morning Turtle woke up.” So, it’s super simple

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book doesn’t really offer the opportunity for the students to think for themselves. There are no leading questions or any statements that could deeply further a student’s thinking.

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

There isn’t really a topic addressed and there is not clear topic. It describes a turtle’s life, but doesn’t go into detail about the structure or habits of the turtle.

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

The book may be factual in that a turtle does do these things: turtles DO drink water and sunbathe on a log, but it isn’t detailed in why the turtle does these things. There is no comparing or processing of detailed information.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does have a mix of fact and fiction. It seems to be more fiction than fact. There are some moments in the book where a turtle CAN do certain things, but the way the book is written, it’s more fiction like.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear, but they look like a child has drawn them. It’s not realistically drawn and there aren’t many details or attention to accuracy in the image of a turtle.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book would be great for pre-k or kindergarten students. It’s a very simple book with minimal words and basic drawings.

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

There is no multicultural component. There are no references of different cultures or people of color in the book.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book IS free of gender bias. There isn’t any gender mentions in this book.

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

The book doesn’t really show much association between science and other disciplines. It’s super simple and doesn’t go into much detail. The only association would probably be with English, where the class could focus on transition words like, “then, next..."etc.

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

The book does present a positive attitude towards science, there is nothing negative about it at all. It’s just about a turtle going about it’s day, enjoying the sun and eating plants.