Children's Science Book Database

Where Once There Was A Wood

Yes, the book presents a problem for students to wonder, question, and think about why this might happen. It makes them think about why someone might want to destroy a habitat for all these animals or why it does happen today.
  • Author: Denise Fleming
  • Illustrator: Denise Fleming
  • Year Published: 1996
  • ISBN: 0805037616

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

A picture book that shows once there was a wooded area with a creek, animals who lived there, and a habitat there is now a house division and no more woods, or animals who live there.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book presents a problem for students to wonder, question, and think about why this might happen. It makes them think about why someone might want to destroy a habitat for all these animals or why it does happen today.

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

Yes, it presents this big problem from an animal's point of view and what used to be so great there is now a housing subdivision and a habitat destroyed. At the end, it has a more informational text describing an animal's habitat and shelter and why this is happening.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes. At the end of the book, you find yourself questioning why things happen the way they do and where these animals will go now.

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

Yes, this is very appropriate for a class of Pre-K to second grade. It's also a pretty short read and could be used for an engage in the 5E model.

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

Yes. It shows the demolition of a wooded area and gives factual information at the very end.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes, this is a made up story but could happen in real life very easily. At the end is where the factual information is found and has a different representation compared to the fictional information and story.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

They are very clear and show the animals that used to live in their habitat.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes. It is written for anyone who wants to talk about habitats, wooded areas, animals, and shelter.

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

It is only animals. N/A

Is the book free from gender bias?

It only has animals. N/A.

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

Yes, you could lead into a conversation or lesson on housing industries and buildings. Architecture/social studies/history.

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

It shows a negative attitude towards tearing down wooded areas and building housing subdivisions.