Children's Science Book Database

New Pet

This book allows students to think about having ownership of a pet along with what that requires.
  • Author: Dan Yaccarino
  • Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino
  • Year Published: 2001
  • ISBN: 0-7868-0579-X

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

Since landing on Meep, Blast Off Boy sure has missed his swell dog, Scooter. So the Glorps decide to give him a new pet named Twinkles. It seems like a great idea until Blast Off Boy meets the schloppo and tries to train him! Blorp has wanted a pet for years. Now he's living with the Smiths on Earth and they have a dog! The only problem is that the dog won't come out from under the couch. So Blorp sneaks in a pet of his own. How is he to know that hippos have colossal appetites? The adventures of two unlikely exchange students, Blast Off Boy and Blorp, continue in this hilarious tale.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book allows students to think about having ownership of a pet along with what that requires.

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

Children can ask simple questions such as what makes an appropriate pet and why certain animals should no the kept as pets. In regards to science children may inquire as to whether aliens and alien creatures exist, which is something the book does not answer but can be used as research questions in an indecent project.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book does allow children to think of small questions as the narrative of the book goes on. For example children think along with one of the main characters as to why a baby hippo is not a good animal to have as a pet, as opposed to a dog.

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

The science topic is addressed in a format that children will enjoy. However the science topic (“animals as pets”) is not stated directly and can be overshadowed by other details, such as depictions of martians and martian pets.

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

This content is not based on scientific principles. The book assumes that aliens and animals from other planets exist and coexist with humans.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does not distinguish between fact and fiction. The book is presented with the idea that humans and aliens coexist, along with normal animals and alien animals. There is no backstory or explanation for this. The one fact in the book that deals with hippopotamus and the fact that they cannot be kept as pets can be overshadowed by the rest of the fictitious world.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are colored and drawn against a white background. This will prevent students from getting confused as to which illustration goes with which page. However many of these pictures are depictions of fictitious creatures.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

For a third-grade student with English on grade level this book can become simplistic. However for students who are still struggling with the English language the wide amount of illustrations will allow them to understand the content, which makes it an appropriate book for ESL students.

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

There is no multicultural component in this book. This book is free from stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free from gender bias.

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

This book could be used as independent reading for the lower graders and for students who need a wide variety of pictures to comprehend the content matter.

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

This book presents the topic (keeping pets and training them) in a positive light. It shows that pets can be trained and can also adapt to households and families. This book does not have any technology.