What Do You Do When Something Wants To Eat You?

This book does not fully address the development of processes since it briefly discusses different defense mechanisms by numerous creatures in a very concise way. However, with each creature, the author describes what the creature does in process to protect themselves.

• Author: Steve Jenkins
• Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
• Year Published: 1997
• ISBN: 0-395-82514-8

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This book discusses various ways creatures protect themselves against the enemies. He explores many interesting and unique defense mechanisms creatures use to escape from danger and asking the reader what their defense mechanism would be.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book does not fully address the development of processes since it briefly discusses different defense mechanisms by numerous creatures in a very concise way. However, with each creature, the author describes what the creature does in process to protect themselves.

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

There is not really  a stopping place that has question mark to allow readers to ask question, but every sentence ends with "____ defends itself ..." so I feel like this would be a good stopping point to ask readers on their opinions. I could choose several students to ask about their opinion of how they think certain creature defends themselves and allow them to make predictions. Then, we will check the prediction on the next page to see and compare the defense mechanisms.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I believe the illustration plays a big role in encouraging students to think for themselves. With illustrations on each page, students are encouraged to make predictions or use their schema to discuss different methods various creatures use to defend themselves.

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

I feel the topic of "what are different defense mechanisms creatures use to defend themselves?" is very well addressed, including various creatures with illustrations to really broaden students' thinking and knowledge. However, building up to the reason why some creatures need these mechanisms or further explanation are lacking because it simply describes their ways of protecting themselves.

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

I would say that they are very accurate, and it is depicted in ways that really connect to students. Illustrations and word choices really help students to build connection to each creature book talks about. Furthermore,  the ways author describes different mechanisms are very well explained at students' level.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

I would not consider this book to be fiction because everything was based on facts, and the book itself was very factual. The prey and predators were also realistic, and it did not use any "fluff" language to describe the defense mechanism.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

I love the illustrations in this book. I think they are portrayed in a very realistic way, but also in ways that capture students to build empathy and connection. The author illustrated the situations very vividly in ways that is clear and accurate.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes. The book does not include any difficult words that might cause trouble in reading. Everything is described in ways that really help students to understand various ways creatures defend themselves, written at the level of students to make it effective.

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

The book only discussed various sea and land creatures, so I am not sure about multicultural component.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book did not specify any gender.

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

I think there is a link between science and language arts. The way author utilizes his language really encapsulates readers and allows them to build empathy with creatures. Furthermore, its repetitive and figurative language allows readers to be curious about what's happening next and expands readers to think.

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

The book did not include any technology component, but different mechanisms could allow readers to use technology to find out more about "why" and "how" it works.