Walker, Sally M. (2004). Sea Horses. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications Company.
Awards: No Awards found.
Grade Level: 2-4 grades
Author Credibility: There is not a lot of information on how she researches the topics she writes about. I could only find that she has written several science books for children as well as historical fiction and biographies. She has received several awards for her books including Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children and Children’s Choice Awards.
Summary/Response: This book breaks down the aspects of a sea horse in chapter format. It defines what a sea horse is, where it lives, what it does during the day, the parents and babies, and the relationship between them and people. It is an easy read for younger readers. It gives a photograph at the beginning of each chapter with a question to lead children into reading more. It gives them a purpose to read on. The underwater photographs are wonderful and it gives true life comparisons to the size of some sea horses. This book is enriched with vocabulary. It even encourages children to be a word detective.
This book left me feeling well informed and I can no longer look at those $0.39 sea horses for sell at the beach. It helps children to question if killing sea horses for trinkets and souvenirs the best way to admire these creatures.
National Standards: Language: Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
Science: Structure and function in living systems, Reproduction and heredity, Regulation and behavior, Populations and ecosystems, Diversity and adaptations of organisms
Illustrations: Colorful photographs, Icons introduce the beginning of a new chapter
Access Features: Table of Contents, Be a Word Detective, A Note to Adults, Glossary, Index, and About the Author, Bolded Chapter Headings
Related Texts: Sea Horses: Everything about History, Care, Nutrition, Handling, and Behavior by Frank Indiviglio- Another view of Sea Horses, Clinging Sea Horses by Judith Jango-Cohen, Sea Horses and Sea Dragons by Mary Jo Rhodes, David Hall
Classroom Use: This would be a good book to use when teaching an ocean thematic unit. It can also be used to discuss how animals can blend in with their surroundings, to help teach conversions from U.S. Customary system to the metric system, and the importance of respecting the Earth and its delicate environment.
1 comment:
This book looked so interesting during your presentation. I had no idean sea horses were so fascinating!
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