In the Small, Small Pond

This book seems to only foster the development of the observation process. There is not much depth in the story content, but the illustrations are colorful and engaging to the eyes.

• Author: Denise Fleming
• Illustrator: Denise Fleming
• Year Published: 1993
• ISBN: 0-8050-2264-3

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Summary

The illustrations and bold text describe the activities of animals living in and near a small pond ecosystem as Spring transitions to Autumn.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book seems to only foster the development of the observation process. There is not much depth in the story content, but the illustrations are colorful and engaging to the eyes.

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

No, there is not much of a plot going on. This book is mostly dictating the sounds and actions that animals make. There is no place during the book when it asks the audience to ask and answer their own questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

No, this story is straight forward and goes at a fast pace, not leaving room for children to take the time to think for themselves.

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

The book addresses ecology by introducing animals that lives in a pond ecosystem, but it does not go any deeper than that.

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

The content is based on the sounds and movements that the animals do in real life. It is mostly accurate but it could be up to the audience's interpretations if they agree with the book.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No, this story could be a fictional tale but it incorporates some facts. The facts are the sounds that the animals make and the activities that the animals do in the story. The fictional part is the story itself. If a kid was reading this, he or she would not be able to tell if this book is fact or fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations are clear and accurate. This books was a runner-up for the 1994 Caldecott Medal award. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and captures the essence of the animals.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book will be at a level for pre-K and kindergarten students. The text is big and bolded, which makes it easy for kids to see the text. The book is mostly illustrations and less text. The students could tell what is happening in the story through just the pictures and without the text.

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

There is not a multicultural component, but it is free from stereotyping. The kid illustrated in the story could be a girl or a boy, and the kid's ethnicity is not distinct.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, it is not stated in the book if the kid is a boy or girl. There are no "he" or "she" pronouns used in the story. The whole story is gender neutral, and just focused on the sounds and activities of the animals. It is also not stated in the book if the animals or male or female.

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

No, this book only remains to the topic of the pond ecosystem and does not go beyond that topic. It could show the close association between science and art, because the illustrations are used to show the pond ecosystem.

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

Yes, because the bright colorful illustrations and the fun rhyming text conveys a positive attitude.