The Emperor's Egg - Informational

The Emperor's Egg

Author: Martin Jenkins

Genre: Informational, Picture Book

Publisher: Candlewick

Copyright date: 2002

Number of Pages: 32

Awards: none

Grade Level: K-3

Summary:

The Emperor's Egg is a charming book about fatherly devotion. Vivid, realistic illustrations on each page depict the patience and dedication the male emperor penguin shows as he carefully cares for his egg. Sheltering the egg each day from the cold, protecting the egg from predators, and living in the harshest conditions imaginable. While the female Emperor Penguin often leaves for long periods of time, the male Emperor Penguin does not waver from his quest.

Use in Teaching:

This is a great informational book to include in any penguin unit. The many facts presented in the book makes for a great writing lesson. Give students a prompt (such as 'If I were a penguin...' or 'The Emperor Penguin is interesting because...') and have students write to complete the prompt. Depending on student age the assignment could be to simply complete the sentence or to write several of their own.

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot which includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two of the five elements of plot structure.	The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.	N/A Being an informational book there isn’t really a plot to speak of.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.	N/A Like with plot, there are not ‘characters’ in this informational book. The idea of the male Emperor Penguin guarding over the egg and then baby penguin is enjoyable.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.	3 Bookmarks: Despite not having a plot or any ‘real’ characters, the book actually does have good pacing. It’s interesting to see what how and where the penguins live.
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.	3 Bookmarks: I like this informational book for younger readers. The illustrations appeal to a young audience and the book has an overall charm.