Robin Koontz

This story falls under the easy to read genre with its controlled vocabulary perfect for beginning readers. It provides factual information about a variety of different animals, which allows the book to also classify as a non-fiction information book. In the story, two very different animals are compared and contrasted. Facts are given on what makes the two animals different and what makes the two animals similar. Not only will that help extend the students' knowledge on the animals at hand, it will also model the concept of comparing/contrasting. If I were to use this book in my classroom, I would either read the book aloud or have them read in small groups. Throughout the story, I would point out the similarities and differences that the animals have. I would also highlight key words that help tell us if the trait is a similarity or difference, like "also" and "unlike" respectively. After reading the story, I would show the students how to create Venn Diagrams with the similarities in the center where each circle overlaps and the differences on the respective side of the animal that they belong to. I think this book provides the opportunity to address an important concept at an understandable and appropriate level for early readers. I truly think this would be great to use in my classroom!… (mehr)