Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday 5. 14.14

NF PB 2014

We know that a big part of the CCSS is to include more informational texts into our students' reading.  I quickly discovered I had a "gap" in my reading diet - the genre of informational texts!  To help me fill the gap this year, I am going to participate in Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesdays!  This is a great link-up hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy.  Please visit this website to see other educator's link-ups.  My goal is to read at least one informational text each week and post information on the blog.  The more books and subjects I read, the more I can encourage (my #OLW for 2014) other teachers to use in their classroom! 


I am so grateful to be participating in this weekly link-up.  It has really increased my informational text reading this year.  As a result, I've found 3 different animal series that meet different reading levels.  Each offers something unique, yet they all have rich text and amazing photography.

Scientists in the Field series
Who it's for:  5th graders and up (independent), portions could be used, especially for close reading 4th and up

What it's good for:  Great for in-depth research on an animal or topic.  Has a great index, so a reader could also look for specific information.  These books are wonderful for someone who has an interest in the topic, but can be overwhelming for someone who just wants a little information.

Features:  specific details, research is done in the field/on location, fantastic photos, great author notes and sources at the end

Some titles I've read:
Sea Turtle Scientist     The Dolphins of Shark Bay

Read my post about this series HERE

National Geographic Face to Face series
Who it's for:  3rd graders and up (independent), 1st and up if read to

What it's good for:  Gives overall information about an animal.  Organized into chapters so can be read as a whole or in parts.  Includes an in depth index to look for specific information.  Amazing photographs.  Great text features.  Includes additional information about what young kids can do to help the animals and how to find them.

Features:  accessible text, content vocabulary, detailed photographs, many text features, author notes and sources

Some titles I've read:
Face to Face with Butterflies     Face to Face with Caterpillars     Face to Face with Dolphins

Eye on the Wild series
Who it's for:  2nd graders and up (independent), Kg and up if read to

What it's good for:  Gives basic information about an animal but is told and shown through photos about the animal living in its natural habitat.  Narrative story that keeps a younger student's interest.  Beautiful photographs.

Features:  accessible text and vocabulary, photographs

Some titles I've read:
Eye on the Wild: Brown Bear

Try one of these great series out!  All of them offer a lot for all readers.  

Are there any other animal series out there that you use?

10 comments:

  1. We have many of the Scientists In The Field books, but I need to look again to update what's there. I think the new series for different ages from National Geographic is awesome. I had a good talk with their rep at our state conference and was in awe of all they've been doing. The "Ladders" series is also good. Thanks for sharing the different approaches for several ages, Michele.

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    1. Yes, I've seen the "Ladders" series! We have one set at school. I'm hoping to use it more as we start using the new science standards!

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  2. I love all of these series! The Scientists in the Field are still a little tough for my older son, even as a read aloud, but he enjoys the other two. I didn't realize how many there were in these series--you've highlighted books I haven't even seen before! Off to make some library requests.

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    1. My library holds always get bigger after Mondays and Wednesdays!

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  3. As I said on Alyson's post - the SintheF series is just about the best NF series out there for the middle grades. I haven't heard of the National Geo series, so thanks for pointing it out.

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    1. I've just been amazed with each SitF book I've read. I was very happy to see the National Geographic series, I think they are a great bridge for the SitF books!

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  4. I too am a huge Scientist in the Field fan. I am reading many aloud to my own children. I don't know these National Geographic series but am very intrigued. They look fantastic. Off to research!

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  5. I love the Scientists in the Field books - in fact, we just completed a nonfiction literacy contract using them. I haven't read any Face to Face or Eye on the Wild books. I will fix that! Thanks for sharing these wonderful series! :-)

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  6. Hi there Michele, how nice to hear that the titles shared over the past weeks have enriched your classroom. I haven't even started with the Scientists in the Field series - I do have to check those out very soon. :)

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  7. Everyone loves Scientists in the Field book, and I just haven't read any of them yet. As more and more of my friends say how good they are, they move further up my TBR. The other two series both look well done and interesting as well. Thank you for sharing!

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