Elementary Science and Children’s Literature - Geosphere
Book Title: What’s Under the Bed? (1998)
Author: Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom
Readability Level: 4.8
Interest Level: K-3
SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS:
Observation:
Measurement: Relative distance of Earth layers
Inference:
Investigative Process:
Classification: living and non-living organisms
Prediction:
Communicating Data:
Science Concepts: What’s Under the Bed? explores the layers within the earth, the inhabitants in those
layers and the physical composition of these layers. Explanations of the science of each layer are provided in
detail.
Science Vocabulary: Soil, Clay, Bones, Fossils, Dinosaur, Stone, Cave, Coal, Coal mine, Crystals, Precious
Metals, Quartz, Diamonds, Emeralds, Silver, Gold, Ruby, Green Zircon, Blue Sapphire, Amethyst, Green
Tourmaline, Yellow Topaz, Magma, Liquid Metal, Core, Iron, Nickel
Michigan Curriculum Framework Science Benchmarks Addressed:
Constructing: SCI I.1E1, SCI I.1E2
Reflecting:
SCI II.1E1, SCI II.1E2, SCI II.1E4
Using:
SCI III.4E1, SCI III.4E2, SCI III.5E2, SCI V.1E1, *SCI V.IE2, *SCI V.1E4,
SCI V.1E5
Genre: Narrative (Picture Book)
Story Brief: As two children wonder what is under their bed, the authors explore what materials are found in
progressively deeper layers of the Earth. Beginning with the floorboards and completing the journey at the center
of the Earth, the reader is exposed to a sequential tour of the composition of the layers of the Earth including
wires and pipes, soil, clay, a tunnel, dinosaur fossil, a cave, coal mine, a layer of earth containing crystals, magma,
liquid metal and on to the center of the Earth.
Number of Pages: 32
Comments: The text is enhanced with descriptions of related ideas that are illustrated in each layer of the Earth.
For example, in the soil layer information concerning trees and roots and organisms found in soil is provided. An
ant colony is also detailed. Science concepts are not the only additions to this text. The story includes human
transportation systems located underground. The idea of ancient people living thousands of years ago in a cave
complete with prehistoric paintings is also described in the section of the Earth including caves. A cross-sectional
diagram of the layers of Earth described in the story is included. Additionally, the text includes two pages of
Helpful Words and a glossary of terms included in the book. Page numbers are listed with every term as a
reference for the context of that term in the reading. Repeated and building phrases are provided throughout the
story.
Other Related Trade Books:
Planet Earth/Inside Out by Gail Gibbons
A Pebble in My Pocket: A History of Our Earth by Meredith Hooper
The Big Rock by Bruce Hiscock