Annotated Plant
Bibliography
Elementary: 4th - 6th
Elementary Level
Asch, Frank, Popcorn, 1976, Parents Magazine Press, New York.
Sam’s parents go out to a Halloween party and
leave Sam alone. Sam decides to throw an impromptu party for his friends. He asks them
each to bring a snack. Every guest brings popcorn. Later, they pop all of the popcorn.
They pop so much that it fills the whole house. Sam and his guests feel sick after they
finish eating it all. When Sam’s parents arrive home, they have a surprise for him
– a box of popcorn.
Note: See Math Activities.
Gardiner, John, Top Secret, 1984, Little, Brown & Co., Boston. 110 pages.
Allen has an original idea for his fourth-grade science project: Human photosynthesis. Persisting through adult skepticism and discouragement, he begins to turn himself into a plant - along with his science teacher.
Levitin, Sonia, Jason and the Money Tree, 1974, Harcourt Brace Jananovich, New York.
Jason is 11 years old when his grandfather dies and leaves him a box of treasures, including a ten-dollar bill. "As a result of a strange dream he had, the message he found in his fortune cookie and Grandpa’s admonition that ‘Nothing is impossible’. " Jason plants the bill in the backyard. Nonetheless, he is astounded when he discovers the bill has sprouted, and he has his own money tree. This is not quite the good fortune it seems, and Jason encounters many unanticipated complication before the story ends. There are some very good messages from this text.
MacGregor, Miles, Sunflower, 1994, Land Mark Editions, Inc., Kansas City, MO. 32 pages. [0-933849-52-4]
Written by 12 year old Miles MacGregor, this story
won the 1993 National Written and Illustrated By… Awards Contest For Students in the
10 to 13 year old category. This story tells, in Native America storytelling style, of a
young boy who dreams of a marvelous flower and goes in search of the seeds that will bring
sunlight back to the earth and save his people from starvation.
Note: Use this book to introduce your students to the National Written and
Illustrated By… contest, then encourage them to give it a try.
Silverstein, Shel, The Giving Tree, 1964 Harper-Collins Publishers, New York, 34 pages. [0-06025665-6; 0-06-025666-4 library]
Shel Silverstein zany poetry has been a favorite around our house for the last 20 years or so. However, this book is of a different vein. This is a tender story which describes the relationship of a boy to the backyard tree. Readers of all ages will love this message and story. The Giving Tree is ripe with possibilities for teaching stewardship.
Seuss, The Lorax, 1971, Random House, New York. 28 pages.
A classic Dr. Seuss book with a message that greed and lack of responsibility for our environment have a lasting effect.
Stone, Marti, The Singing Fir Tree, 1992, G. P. Putman’s Son, New York. 32 pages. [ 0-399-22207-3]
This retelling of a Swiss folk tale is about a woodcarver who wishes to create his life’s masterpiece. He moves to a village with an unusual tree that sings when the wind is just right. He wants to use its wood, but the villagers say no. He plots to steal the tree at night, but the tree is impossible to cut. Finally, in the end he overcomes his selfish desires and sees the value of the tree. The story has a very good lesson about stewardship.
Biography
Black, David, Editor, Carl Linnaeus: Travels, 1979, Charles Scribner’s Sons. New York. 108 pages. [0-684-15976-7]
This is really a journal of Carl Linnaeus, the famous originator of the Classification system. It is useful to take segments and show the detail of his observations. Very instructive if you plan to have your students keep a nature journal and in teaching descriptive writing lessons
Rogers, Teresa, George Washington Carver: Nature’s Trailblazer, 1992, Twenty-First Century Books, Rederick, Maryland, 72 pages. [ 0-8050-2115-9]
This is a simple and direct story of the life of George Washington Carver. One of the things I liked about the book is that, unlike many books it did not gloss over Carver’s deep religious faith. Unfortunately, there are a few items which are inconsistent with most of the other accounts of Carver’s life that I have read.
Non-Fiction
Ardley, Neil, The Science Book of Things That Grow, 1991 Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London. 32 pages. [0-15-200586-2]
If you are looking for a hands-on approach to teaching some of the basics of germination and plant growth this book is an excellent choice. The Science Book of Things That Grow is pretty light on explanation but full of colorful step-by-step activities that demonstrate principles. Use this one in conjunction with another book containing more detail. Demonstrations illustrate the following principles: germination, what a plant needs to grow, plant propagation, roots, transpiration, photosynthesis, yeast growth, spore prints, and growing mold.
Asimov, Isaac, How Did We Find Out About Photosynthesis?, 1989, Walker and Company, New York. 64 pages. [0-8027-6899-7]
This book describes the process of photosynthesis as
well has the historical development of its discovery. The biographical and historical
element of the book makes it an extremely valuable addition to your selections when
studying photosynthesis. Fully explains plants role in our breathing and as a primary food
source (e.g. even the animals we eat depend on eating plants.)
Note: The final chapter, The Beginning, describes how scientists
"reason" photosynthesis got started in the first place. It then continues to
describe "earth history" beginning four and a half billion years ago. The first
four chapters are free from such references.
Bates, Jeffrey, Hands-On-Science: Seeds To Plants, 1990, Gloucester Press, New York, 32 pages. [0-531-17292-9]
Seeds To Plants amounts to a complete course on plants growth and development. Use it to replace textbook sections on this subject. Very clear photographs and illustrations, as well as descriptive text, explain each of the following aspects of plant growth and development: seeds, germination, roots stems, leaves, buds and twigs, flowers, fruits, other ways of reproduction, and the classification system.
Black, David and Huxley, Anthony, Plants (The World of Science), 1985 Orbis Publishing, Ltd. London. 64 pages. [0-8160-1065-X]
The reading level of this text might
be a bit difficult for some fourth graders, but it is one of those books that is
interesting enough that they may just stretch themselves to read it. Plants, is
another one of those books which could serve as a basic text -- much more in depth than
the typical 4-6th grade textbook,. It is nicely organized, each chapter
covering one aspect of plant life. The pages are bright and colorful because of the
extensive use of photographs and colored illustrations. Highly recommended.
Note: Page six refers to 3,000 million year old fossils.
Branley, Franklyn, M., Roots are Food Finders, 1975, Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York. 33 pages. [0-8225-2905-5]
This books describes the function of roots in ``feeding’’ the plant. Much more depth than you would think for a book of only 33 pages. Includes several excellent activities which require very little equipment or money. Good choice for lower levels of this age bracket - possible choice for older child to read to younger child.
Doris, Ellen, Real Kids, Real Science: Marine Biology, 1993, Thames and Hudson, Inc. New York. 64 pages. [0-500-19007-0]
This book is part of one of the best science series currently being published. Only a portion of this titles content applies to botany, but that portion is that which is often neglected in other texts. The book begins with a wonderful description of the classification system, then goes on to show real kids involved in real science. Most illustrations are of four color photographs. You and your student are guided through field trips to a sandy shore, a salt water marsh estuary, a rocky shore, off shore, Projects include organizing a shell collection, setting up a salt water aquarium (plants and animals), pressing seaweed, and making Fish Prints. Sections on sea weeds and plankton most applicable to this unit study. Highly recommended!
Doris, Ellen, Real Kids, Real Science: Woods, Ponds, and Fields, 1993, Thames & Hudson, New York. 64 pages. [0-500-19006-2]
This book is part of one of the best science series currently being published. Only a portion of this titles content applies to botany, but the book offers excellent coverage on habitats and ecosystems. The book also offers extensive, brightly illustrated information on trees and plants. There are excellent sections on lichens, poisonous plants and how to avoid them, and pond plants. The book details how to create a herbarium (collecting and pressing plants) and how to make leaf prints. Highly recommended.
Dowden, Anne Ophelia, Wild Green Things in The City: A book of weeds, 1972, Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York. 56 pages. [0-690-89067-2]
The endearing text and beautiful colored illustration clearly demonstrate the authors respect and admiration for the lowly weed. She takes you on a season by season explore of major cities looking for signs of life among the concrete jungle. As you travel along with her you learn many plant basics without totally being aware your are being taught. Highly recommended, especially for city dwellers!
Durant, Penny Raife, Exploring the World of Plants, 1995, Franklin Watts, New York, 48 pages. [0-531-20126-0 library; 0-531-15746-6]
If you’re looking for a hands-on approach to the study
of plants Exploring the World of Plants may just be the thing for you. Each aspect
of plant study includes plenty "Try This" activities. Most are simple and can be
done with everyday materials. Topics include: seeds, what plants need to grow, and plant
reproduction.
Note: Pages 44-45 address the green house effect.
Earle, Olive L., Peas, Beans, and Licorice, 1971, William Morrow & Co., New York, 63 pages.
Peas and beans are widely known as legumes, but few realize that licorice belongs to the same family. In a nicely illustrated (black and white) study, an accomplished naturalist surveys this botanical group and points out the many interesting plants and trees found in it. Valuable for its botanical information, this book makes lively reading as well. The author has a keen eye for the odd fact and intriguing piece of lore that give her subject broad appeal.
Earle, Olive L., State Trees, 1973, William Morrow & Co., New York, 35 pages. [0-688-300083-9]
In this companion volume to State Birds and Flowers, this book describes the official state trees of the 38 states which have selected them.
Johnson, Sylvia A., Mosses, 1983, Lerner Publications Co., 48 pages. [0-8225-1482-6 library; 0-8225-9563-X paper]
This beautifully illustrated book introduces the immense variety of mosses and describes their favorite environments. The complete life cycle of mosses is also detailed. Fantastic full color photographs really give you a close up look to the different parts of a moss plant.
Greenaway, Theresa, The Green World: Ferns, 1992, Steck-Vaughn, Austin, TX. 48 pages. [0-8114-2735-8]
Ferns describes both of
extinct and extant members of the fern family, the environments in which one is likely to
find ferns growing, parts of the fern, and life cycle and reproduction (generally asexual)
of ferns. There are many interesting facts dispersed throughout the book, such as that
Bracken Ferns were once used as mattress stuffing because the poison in the ferns killed
fleas.
Note: There are numerous references to earth history and evolution in this book,
such as page 8 referring to 400 million year old fossils and page 34 "evolved into
separate species."
Johnson, Sylvia A., Mosses, 1983, Lerner Publications Co., 48 pages. [0-8225-1482-6 library; 0-8225-9563-X paper]
This beautifully illustrated book introduces the immense variety of mosses and describes their favorite environments. The complete life cycle of mosses is also detailed. Fantastic full color photographs really give you a close up look to the different parts of a moss plant.
Julivert, Maria Angels, Invisible World: The Life of Plants, 1994, Chelsea House Publishers, New York. 32 pages. [0-7910-2129-7 library; 0-7910-2134-3 paper]
In 32 pages The Life of Plants covers all the essential facts of plant biology making it a perfect replacement for a traditional textbook. I compared it to a 5th grade textbook and found it to be more in depth, actually more comparable to a junior high text. The dramatic photography and clear illustrations really aid in your students grasping the subject.
Kerrod, Robin, Let’s Investigate Science: Plant Life, 1994, Marshal Cavendish Corporation, New York. 64 pages. [ 1-85435-627-5]
This single volume carries as much
information on Botany as many upper Grade school and Junior High Science general science
textbooks and could be used as a basic text for this age groups with some cautions, see
notes. Covers cells, plant anatomy, photosynthesis, plant movement, reproduction,
pollination, seeds and fruits and defenses. Also covers classifications of plants and some
history of classification system. Final chapter focuses on plant habitats.
Note: The text of this book does not discuss evolution or earth history, but the
Introduction and a timeline in the appendix do. Also the introduction may lead students to
think there are only two kingdoms, most scientists today recognize a five kingdom
classification system.
Landau, Elaine, State Flowers, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 1992, Franklin Watts, New York. 64 pages. [0-531-20059-0]
Describes each state’s official flower and tells of legends associated with the flower. Includes beautiful full color photographs of each flower.
Lane, Ferdin and C., All About the Flowering World, (All About Books number 14), 1956, Random House, New York. 144 pages.
In All About the Flowering World, Dr. Lane tells the amazing story of flowering plants which, directly or indirectly, furnish us with food, clothing, and shelter as well as many healing medicines, delicate flavorings, and blossoms that are a constant delight. Wonderful index makes it easy to look up plants from tumbleweeds to roses. Covers basic plant facts as well. While this is an old book, you should be able to find it at your library or thrift store.
Murray, Peter, Mushrooms, 1996, The Child’s World, Inc., USA, 32 pages. [1-56766-193-9]
Wonderful photography along with
interactive text makes this book fun and informative. It describes the varieties, growth
and development, and human uses of mushrooms. Clearly cautions readers to only look at,
not taste, wild mushrooms. Clear simple text makes this book an excellent choice as a read
aloud for primary students. It is also a good choice for independent readers through about
6th grade level.
Note: Page 26 says "people have been eating mushrooms for millions of
years."
Nussbaum, Hedda, Plants Do Amazing Things, 1977, Step-Up Books, Random House, New York. 69 pages. [0-394-83232-9; Library edition: 0-394-93232-3]
This carefully researched book tells about the astonishing things that different plants can do – and how and why they do them. Filled with funny facts and creepy facts and just plain interesting facts. Designed as a book for students who have outgrown beginning readers, it makes a good read aloud for younger students.
Murray, Peter, Mushrooms, 1996, The Child’s World, Inc., USA, 32 pages. [1-56766-193-9]
Wonderful photography along with
interactive text makes this book fun and informative. It describes the varieties, growth
and development, and human uses of mushrooms. Clearly cautions readers to only look at,
not taste, wild mushrooms. Clear simple text makes this book an excellent choice as a read
aloud for primary students. It is also a good choice for independent readers through about
6th grade level.
Note: Page 26 says "people have been eating mushrooms for millions of
years."
Oppenheim, Joanne, Floratorium: The Museum that explores the green wonders of planet earth, (A Bank Street Museum Book) 1994, Bantam Books, New York. 48 pages. [0-553-09365-7]
This book takes a unique approach of
giving a guided tour of a flower-shaped botanical museum. Each wing (petal) explores
different plant environments, e.g. Hall of deserts. Other areas of the ``museum describe
flowering plants, deciduous forests and basic plant knowledge. The chief value of this
book is its description of plant environments.
Note: Pages 34 and 35 - Hall of Ancient Plants makes reference to evolution and the
earth being 300 million years old.
Parker, Bertha Morris, Flowers, Fruits, Seeds, 1958, Row Peterson and Co., New York, 36 pages.
Flowers, Fruits, Seeds is an old book originally published in 1941, but it is still an excellent resource. More detail and words than you find in most newer books, it doesn’t talk down to the students. The book details the life cycle of plants including, how seeds are formed, purpose of the flower and fruit, and the different forms and shapes of seeds and flowers. It also touches on the parts of a plant and the classification of plants. The end of the book has some interesting activities. There are also comprehension questions which can be used as a oral quiz.
Parker, Philip, The Life Cycle of a Sunflower, 1988, the Bookwright Press, New York, 32 pages. [0-531-18191-X]
This book through text and beautiful illustration describes the life cycle of a sunflower from seed to seed production. Provides information of parts of the plant and reproduction and pollination. Provides information on growing your own sunflower.
Parker, Steve. Science Project Book of Plants, 1986, Marshall Cavendish Corporation, New York. 43 pages. [0-86307-626-2]
This is an excellent text which covers plant growth and
development. Heavily illustrated with lots of activities it could serve as the main text
(replacing a textbook) for this age group. Covers scientific method, plant classification,
plant anatomy, seed dispersal, root structure, trees and uses of plants.
Note: Page 9 has short reference to earth being 3 million years old (related to
discussion of coal.).
Pope, Joyce, Practical Plants, 1990, Facts On File, Inc. New York. 62 pages. [0-8160-2424-3]
Practical Plants surveys the many uses of plants, including nutrition, fuel, building, gardening and medicine. As the usefulness of each category of plants are explained students are exposed to some of the scientific facts of the plants culture. It clearly explains which parts of the plant are used and how it is harvested. There is a multicultural feel to this book. One of the things I really liked about the book is the little vignettes containing interesting tidbits related to the topic. It is a unique book because of its focus on the uses of plants.
Prance, Ghillean Tolmie, Leaves: the Formation, Characteristics, and Uses of Hundreds of Leaves Found in All Parts of the World, 1985, Crown Publishers, Inc., New York. 241 pages. [0517551527]
The authentic and highly readable prose of this book will make it your definitive resource for the study of leaves. In a page or two, author Chillean Tolmie Prance describes the basic structures and functions of leaves such as cells, shape, veins, margins, variegated, floating, and succulent leaves, poisonous and prickly leaves, carnivorous plants, leaf hairs and more. Each of these excellent introductions is followed by beautiful, full color photographs (by Smithsonian Photographer Kjell B. Sandved) of leaves from around the world. Because of the short descriptive text (one to three pages) and the volumes of photographs this book will make an excellent major resource for your entire family’s study of leaves.
Chapter 23, The Herbarium and Leaf Collecting,
explains how to collect, dry, and store leaves. It also has some interesting information
on topical stamp collecting which shows examples of stamps from all over the world which
feature leaves. Appendix I will give your Junior High and High School Instructions on how
to prepare microscope slides of leaves. Appendix II will show you some advanced techniques
for creating leaf prints.
Note: Chapter 21 focuses on Fossil leaves and may have some evolutionary concepts.
Pringle, Laurence P., Discovering the Outdoors: A Nature and Science Guide to Investigations of Live in Fields, Forests, and Ponds, 1969 Double Day & Company, New York. 128 pages. [LCCN 69-10717]
This is an excellent nature guide consists of a collection of some of the most popular articles which have appeared in Nature and Science, the Natural History Press’s science magazine for your readers. Each article gives an exciting invitation to investigate the life which shares the earth with man. It contains a blend of information, questions you might try to answer, and helpful tips on how to go about answering them.
It can be used to investigate nature almost anywhere outdoors – from city park or weedy lot to a small suburban swamp or a great forest. Most of the sections are grouped into three kinds of living areas, or habitats – field, forest, and pond. It is an excellent choice when studying symbiotic relationships. Particularly valuable is the section on ``How to Keep a Field Journal.’’ Also provides details on how to make your own equipment from found materials.
Rahn, Joan Elma, Grocery Store Botany, 1974, Atheneum, New York. 54 pages. [0-689-30414-5]
This fun and unique book uses items found in most grocery stores for experiments and demonstrations related to plant growth and development. Covers parts of the plant, and how plants feed us. There is at least one activity for each plant part. Highly recommended. Students in this age group can do the activities on their own.
Schaeffer, Elizabeth, Dandelion, Pokeweed, and Goosefoot: How the early settlers used plants for food, medicine, and the home. 1972, Young Scott Books, Reading, MA. 96 pages. [ 0-201-09304-9]
Beginning with an interesting short history of how plants came and spread throughout the United States, this book is an excellent book for connecting history and your plant study. It explains the importance of using Latin names and some of the things you can know about a plant just by knowing its Latin name. (Many great root words are introduced for vocabulary building.) After these captivating introductions, the "weeds" of woods, pastures, and swamplands are described. The plants in each of these three general habitats are grouped according to the uses the pioneers made of them. A large, accurate illustration of each plant accompanies each description. The reading level may be a stretch for this age group, but you can use the introductions as a read-aloud and the remaining of the book as a reference book
Selsam, Millicent E, Bulbs, Corms, and Such, 1974, William Morrow and Company, 48 pages. [ 0-688-21822-9; Library: 0-688-31822-3]
This heavily illustrated book details plants that reproduce without seeds, but grow from bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tuberous roots. Written on the simplest level possible this book is ideal for young readers, but is also useful for a read-aloud to even younger students.
Selsam, Millicent E., Popcorn, 1976, William Morrow and Company. 48 pages. [0-688-32083-X library Ed.; 0-688-22083-5]
Excellent companion to the Science Fun with Peanuts and Popcorn, (See below in this section) this book is a little easier reading and reads more like a book. (The other book is interrupted with experiment suggestions. Describes some of the other types of corn and its use beyond eating.
Simmons, Diane, Gardening Is Easy When You Know How, 1974 Arco Publishing Co., New York. 48 pages. [ 0-668-03482-3]
Very clearly illustrated and explained ideas for creating all kinds of gardens - from window boxes to full vegetable gardens. Along with the text tips for collecting seeds, making grafts and cuttings to growing plants from food scrapes are described. Plenty of Project Ideas! This age group will need help reading the text and completing the activities.
Silverstein, Alvin, Virginia, and Robert, The Kingdom of Life: Plants, 1996, Twenty-first Century Books (Henry Holt and Company), New York, 64 pages. [0-8050-3519-2]
Plants gets off to a great start with its
explanation of the importance of the classification system and characteristics of plants
(e.g. what makes a plant a plant) and the plant family tree. The remainder of the book is
a description of each of the ten divisions of the plant kingdom.
Note: This book presents the plant kingdom in the order plants
"evolved", extensive reference is made to evolution and earth history.
Tuey, John, and Wickers David, How to Make Things Grow, 1972, Studio Vista/Van Nostrand Reinhold How-to Book, New York. 68 pages. [0-289-70260-7]
This book is totally activity based. It begins with ``experiments’’ to find out about plants then proceeds with projects for growing bulbs, seeds, and transplants and cuttings. Projects for both indoor and outdoor gardening are provided. Some of the experiments require elaborate equipment, e.g. test tubes and glass funnels.
Weiner, Michael A., Man’s Useful Plants, 1976, Macmillan Publishing Co., New York. 148 pages. [0-02-792600-1]
This is a highly readable introduction to man’s useful plants makes it clear that plants and plant products are the basis for many of the things we depend on - and often take for granted. Exploring plants as the sources of foods, clothing, medicines, fuels, shelter and thousands of other products. Over 200 species - nearly all the important useful plants in the world - are discussed.
Wyler, Rose, Science Fun with Peanuts and Popcorn, 1986, Julian Messner, New York. 48 pages. [0671-55572-3]
This book teaches the basics of plant growth and development (showing what is inside seeds, how roots form, and how plants grow) and plant anatomy via favorite foods: Peanuts and Popcorn. A very fun and motivational approach. Includes information on Native Americans and Pilgrims and also on Dr. George Washington Carver. Tons of activities with seeds and plants. Final activities include ideas for a party, including party games and foods using peanuts and popcorn.
Young, Paul, The Biology Coloring Book, 19??, Harper-Collins Publishing, New York. 233 pages.
This is a book you’ll have to purchase as it is consumable. Using this coloring book (color by number) you student will learn the essential facts of biology, including botany and cell structure. This coloring book is highly educational, detailed, and challenging. Colored pencils are recommended - not crayons!
Young, Paul, The Botany Coloring Book, 19??, Harper-Collins Publishing, New York. 224 pages.
This is a book you’ll have to purchase as it is consumable. Using this coloring book (color by number) you student will learn the structures and function of plants. It also surveys the entire plant kingdom. This coloring book is highly educational, detailed, and challenging. Colored pencils are recommended - not crayons! A real benefit is that structures and names are colored the same color, so you'll be able to identify the structure at a glance.
Young, Paul, The Marine Biology Coloring Book, 19??, Harper-Collins Publishing, New York.
This is a book you’ll have to purchase as it is consumable. Beautifully and accurately rendered scenes to colors are accompanied by clear explanatory text on marine organisms. The illustrations are wonderful and really fun to color. Colored pencils are recommended - not crayons!
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| The Annotated Plant Bibliography is excerpted from Project Discovery: The Plant Kingdom to be published by Castlemoyle Books in 2001. |
Ó 1998 by Beverly L. Adams-Gordon
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