Cheryl Coughlan

Once again, in the search for quality nonfiction reading for kindergardeners, I selected the simply named 'Beetles' by Cheryl Coughlan. The rationale behind the selection was that my primary goal is to teach reading. I have also found that young chidren are drawn to nonfiction- they do appreciate the real world. I was a little relieved to see that there was a Ph.D listed as the consulting editor. There is a note to parents and teachers that touts the effectiveness and feaures of the book and how these features enhance learning. Both the subjects of natural science and reading are addressed in the note.
The book follows a predictable pattern. The left page is a photograph of a beetle. The right page contains a sentence of text that provides a general statement about beetles such as "Beetles can be many colors. Some beetles are small. Some beeltes are big." While this is not mind-blowing information, it sets children on a path to begin to compare and contrast various members of a species. Each photo has a caption naming the depicted beetle. In the back there is a tiny Words to Know (glossary) as well as a Read More and Internet Sites page. The websites are not particullarly child friendly. There is also an Index/ Word List.
I would like to see nonfiction books for young readers more creative and less formulaic. However, maybe it is the formula that helps them understand. If the series is read, will children make connections that those tiny words beside the photo tells about the photo? Will they note that a book has a page announcing the content to come? Will they begin to see the use of labeling?… (meer)