About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts repeating tall tales as absolute facts or when they begin to show a skeptical, investigative mind. It serves as a gentle introduction to the scientific method by encouraging children to question 'common knowledge' and look for evidence rather than accepting every story they hear. Through a series of engaging true or false propositions, Seymour Simon helps children navigate the difference between cultural folklore and biological reality. While the primary focus is natural science, the underlying emotional theme is the joy of discovery and the value of intellectual honesty. It is perfectly suited for children ages 5 to 9 who are moving from a world of magical thinking into a more concrete understanding of the physical world. Parents will appreciate how it builds critical thinking skills and vocabulary while fostering a deep respect for the wonders of the natural world.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book is secular and focuses entirely on natural history and animal biology. The tone is informative and objective.
Ideal Reader
An elementary student who is a 'literalist' and loves correcting others with 'actually...' facts. It is also perfect for a child who might be fearful of certain animals, as it uses logic to dispel myths that might make creatures seem scarier than they are.
Parent Prep
No advance reading is required. The book is designed for interactive reading where the parent can ask 'Do you think this is true or false?' before turning the page. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child express a misconception, such as 'I'm scared to go outside because a bat will fly into my hair' or 'I saw a movie where an ostrich hid its head in the sand.'
