#living #nonliving #science #k-4
This is a very interesting book. The author begins by showing examples of living things and nonliving things that people see everywhere they go. Then the questions begin: How are living things and nonliving things different? Are living things the only thing that moves? Before the page turns, readers think about things that move, but are prompted to think about “what about things that don’t move? Are they living?”. More questions follow about growth and change, the need for food and water, and reproduction. Most living things reproduce, but then there's fire, computer viruses, and these things make copies of themselves. The visuals are striking, and in the end, it returns to the original question, “how are living things different from nonliving things?”, then provides readers with an answer. I really love the way this book is set up and I would use this as a read-aloud before a compare and contrast lesson about living and nonliving things. ( )

This book is a phenomenal compare and contrast book between living and non living things. I actually used this book as a guided reading book in a lesson plan that I taught to 5th grade students who were reading below grade level, and it had a great impact on my teaching of the compare and contrast concept. This book shows students multiple ways of critically thinking about living and non living things in our environment. For example, this book informs children that some characteristics that we normally associate with living things, such as, reproducing and moving, can also be characteristics of non living things, like fire. The entire book is filled with comparisons and contrasts between living and non living things, and offers a specific "checklist" for students to use in order to determine if things are living or non living based on their characteristics. The book also provides activities and comprehension questions on the last few pages that can be used with children after reading to ensure their understanding of the information. I recommend that this book be used with compare/contrast lessons in grades 2-4, to enhance their understanding of the concept while also encouraging them to use their critical thinking skills with the guidance of their teacher, through a guided reading group. ( )

Beautiful pictorial book of comparisons of living and nonliving. Basic terminology to help even the youngest reader understand. Photos are spectacular and the print is easy to read. In addition there are worksheets in the back to reinforce the subject. I will highly recommend this book. ( )