An Extraordinary Egg

The book fosters development of multiple processes. It promotes observation in that Jessica believes the egg is a pebble when she first finds it and describes it as white as snow and round as a full moon. Exploration is promoted through Jessica "who is always somewhere else." One of the frogs infers that the pebble is a chicken egg based on what she thinks she already knows.

• Author: Leo Lionni
• Year Published: 1948
• ISBN: 0590552376

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Summary

A frog named Jessica finds a "pebble" that hatches into what she thinks is a green, scaly "chicken". They become good friends and Jessica is amazed by the "chicken's" ability to swim. A little bird meets them and brings the "chicken" back to its mother, a large alligator. When Jessica returns to her frog friends she laughs as she tells them that the mother called the "chicken" "my sweet little alligator.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book fosters development of multiple processes. It promotes observation in that Jessica believes the egg is a pebble when she first finds it and describes it as white as snow and round as a full moon. Exploration is promoted through Jessica "who is always somewhere else." One of the frogs infers that the pebble is a chicken egg based on what she thinks she already knows.

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

Yes the book provides multiple opportunities for children to ask questions on their own. First, children might ask where the "somewhere else" is that Jessica is always off to. Then they might question whether the "pebble" is a pebble or an egg. Before the frogs decide that is a chicken egg, children can make their own guesses about what kind of egg it might be. Lastly children might wonder why the frogs still thought it was a chicken even when the egg hatched and when the mom called it an alligator.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This relates to the previous question because through asking questions children are encouraged to think for themselves. So yes, the book does encourage children to think for themselves. They are able to wonder where the other frog, Jessica, always was? The book encourages being able to have your own opinions in that Jessica always believed the pebbles she found were extraordinary even if her friends did not.

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

Although the book does not explicitly state a science topic, there are many paths you can go with this story. You may teach about animal habitats or the cycle of an egg, or talk about what kinds of animals lay eggs. You can also teach children what it means to make observations or using prior knowledge to make an inference about something.

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

I would say that no, the content is not based on sound scientific examples in that the frogs believe the alligator is a chicken. However it does state that the frogs were surprised by the swimming skills of the "chicken" which promotes the questioning of what kind of animal the egg really was. It is accurate in that the mom states that the baby is an alligator and not a chicken, however the frogs are not convinced and still believes it is a chicken, which might throw off some children.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does not explicitly distinguish between fact and fiction. The "chicken" is later identified as an alligator which is a fact. However, it is fictional in that all the animals can talk.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear. However, they are slightly inaccurate. The frogs are all walking on 2 legs and the baby alligator is the size of the frogs which is very not proportional to real alligators and frogs.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is written for Kindergarten through second grade. I believe it is well written to be a read aloud for students at this level. For reading alone, there are some words that might be difficult for children at this level. Extraordinary, impressed, and triumphantly are words that might be difficult for some children to read and understand.

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

Multiculturally, this book could cause some confusion for children that do not have prior knowledge about what chickens and alligators and what they look like.

Is the book free from gender bias?

I would say yes and no that this book is free from gender bias. Nothing about gender is stated in the book. However, it can be pointed out that all the characters are female.

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

This book does not show close association with language arts, math or social students. However, you could teach some social-emotional components such as having your own opinion, and the strength of friendships between those who are different from you.

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

The book does present a positive attitude toward science through Jessica's curiosity and wondering. Children can be encouraged to explore and find new things. The book does not promote anything involving technology.