Wolf’s Coming

The only thing the book fosters is development of events happening in an order. It does not support any kind of science process.

Author: Joe Kulka
Illustrator: Jacket Illustrations
Year Published: 2007
ISBN: 9781575059303

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

1st Grade

Summary

This story is about a wolf's journey through the woods. The wolf's howl echoes through the forest and news quickly spreads that Wolf is coming. As the wolf gets closer and closer, animals run away as fast as they can. Soon the wolf's glowing eyes are peeking through the window, and then slowly, the front door creaks open....and SURPRISE! The wolf is having a surprise birthday party thrown for him. Things are not as they seemed in this suspenseful, clever story.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The only thing the book fosters is development of events happening in an order. It does not support any kind of science process.

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

The book would confuse students as it displays animals dressed, talking, eating pizza and cake and living in a house. This book does not foster science concepts that could help students build on prior beliefs.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does not encourage students to think for themselves. Instead, it is more of an enjoyable read for fun. It describes the wolf’s journey through the forest until he arrives at his surprise birthday.

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

This book does not build on a science idea. The teacher would have to find ways to build on science outside of the book. For example, talking about different animals and their environments and diet.

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

The content displayed in the book is not accurate. It displays animals wearing clothes and eating things they would not normally eat like pizza and cupcakes. It also portrays standing up right and wearing clothes, which could be very confusing to young students as they are trying to figure out the difference in life styles between humans and animals.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No, the book is all fiction, it does not talk about differences between fact and fiction. However, a teacher could use the book could and talk about what real things they notice in the book and what they notice is not real.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are very detailed and colorful but are not accurate. The illustrations display animals in clothes, standing upright, and eating human food. It is unrealistic of how animals live.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written at a lower grade level and could be use for students anywhere from pre-k to first grade. I would not use this text in a 3-5 grade setting.

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

The book does not contain any material that would make a student or teacher think they are stereotyping. The book is fiction and is written for enjoyment.

Is the book free from gender bias?

I think this book is gender bias without it meaning to be. The “big bad wolf” is male and the figure taking care of the other animals is a female. This could give students the idea that male figures are always portrayed as bad or dangerous in books like this and the motherly figure is there to save them and be the good role model.

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

This book would not be a good resource to connect science and other subjects. It displays animals as cartoons and would not be sufficient in a science classroom.

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

The book does end on a positive note, however, it is not encouraging students to study science or engage in learning.