Un-Brella

Yes; I think it shows weather and how most would assume if it is cold outside, you would dress warm and vice versa.

• Author: Scott E. Franson
• Illustrator: Scott E. Franson
• Year Published: 2007
• ISBN: 978-1-59643-179-9

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

In a wordless book, a little girl uses her magic umbrella to give her the weather she wants, regardless of what the conditions really are outside.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes; I think it shows weather and how most would assume if it is cold outside, you would dress warm and vice versa.

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

No; there is no text so the students may or may not be able to answer any wonderings that they have.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes; the book doesn’t restrict any thinking.

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

Yes; the book is about the weather.

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

Yes; the book is based on the concepts of weather. However, the book does contain a magical element which is suppose to be taught as something hypothetical. The concepts of weather are accurate because it shows when it is cold, you would normally dress warmly and when it is hot, you would dress warmly.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes; the book shows the “un-brella” as a magical object and everything else as fact.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes; the illustrations show weather accurately.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes; there are no words so students are making inferences on how the characters are feeling. I think this would be beneficial to 4-5 year olds (Kindergarten) because it eliminates their reading level from being able to read the text.

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

No; there is not a multicultural component unless you would consider regional areas where it snows in the winter and is warm in the spring/summer.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes: there is no gender bias in the book.

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

Yes; the book could also be used for literary purposes such as inferring and character analysis.

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

Yes: it contains a magical component in an otherwise scientific world.