Science picture book: Puffling Patrol by Ted and Betsy Lewin

Bibliographic Information:

Lewin, T. (2012). Puffling Patrol. New York: Lee & Low Books.

 

Plot description:  

The authors, Ted and Betsy Lewin, recount their first trip to the Westman Islands to witness the work of the Puffling Patrol. At the end of each summer, countless adult puffins leave the islands after spending the warmer months caring for their new babies. Sometimes the youngest puffins are too little and weak to make it to sea, and they head for the town lights rather than the water. It is the job of the Puffling Patrol, a group of children who call the Westmore Islands home, who scour the streets to find the lost puffins. On one night, Ted and Betsy go along on a patrol where one puffin is found and brought to the Natural History Museum. After the puffins are strong enough to survive on their own, the children of the Puffling Patrol bring them to the beach and release them to the sea.

 

Quantitative reading level:

ATOS Book Level: 5.2
Interest Level: Grades 2-4
Lexile Measure: 910L

 

Qualitative reading analysis: 

The book begins with an introduction by Ted and Betsy Lewin describing the Icelandic cliff dwellings of the puffins, and the cycle that brings them back each year.Then the authors tell the story of their experience with the Puffling Patrol. After the story there are three informational sections called "Atlantic Puffin Facts," "The Volcano of 1973," and "Vestmannaeyjar's Puffins Today." There is also a one page glossary and pronunciation guide.

Particularly young readers will need the help of an adult to help with pronunciation. More advanced readers will enjoy the challenge of learning new Icelandic names and words. Most readers will benefit from a quick introduction to the geography, which is important to the story. The Lewins do a nice job of introducing other concepts relating to animal habitats, climate change and the importance of human efforts to help animals and the environment. Puffling Patrol is an excellent read-aloud book, and the illustrations are captivating. While the reading level is on the high side for the interest level, it is an easily understandable text with a little adult guidance.

 

Content area:

Science -  Ecology.
Social Studies - Geography. 

Content area standard: 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.1

Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.2
Identify the main topic of a multiparagraph text as well as the focus of specific paragraphs within the text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.3
Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 2 topic or subject area.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.5
Know and use various text features (e.g., captions, bold print, subheadings, glossaries, indexes, electronic menus, icons) to locate key facts or information in a text efficiently.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.6
Identify the main purpose of a text, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.7
Explain how specific images (e.g., a diagram showing how a machine works) contribute to and clarify a text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.8
Describe how reasons support specific points the author makes in a text.

 

Curriculum suggestions:  

 Puffling Patrol is a good introduction to the idea that humans impact the ecological balance in the world.  The Lewins describe the many factors that play into the puffins' difficulty in returning the sea, one of which is the warming temperature of the water.  They also imply that the young puffins are confused by the city lights.   While human interaction is ultimately what save the vulnerable puffins, it is human actions that made them in need of saving.  Young students will be able to connect the dots with the help of their teacher.

Supporting digital content:

Iceland Puffins - http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/puffin_atlantic_iceland
Atlantic Puffin Facts for Kids - http://www.animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/atlantic-puffin/

 

Awards:

  - Choices, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

  - Green Earth Book Award Honor Book, The Nature Generation

  - Nonfiction Honor List, VOYA

  - Outstanding Children's Book Award Finalist, Animal Behavior Society

 

Personal thoughts:

Puffling Patrol is a charming story with a serious message. This book does a wonderful job explaining human impact (both bad and good) without being scary or preachy to young children. The story will allow children to ask questions of their teacher, librarian or parent that they might not otherwise know how to frame. I highly recommend this book for any library servicing children in the K-3 range.