Gr 1—3—Mr. Zee is trying to model good scientific practices for his students. "Don't forget, scientists are observers," he says as he launches into a round of "I spy" and other activities to get them thinking. Otis, however, has trouble coming up with an idea and is discouraged by classmates whose projects are off to a great start. Despite his genuine curiosity about birds, his confidence is tested by friends who make unkind remarks about his smelly milk-carton bird feeder and the fact that it has failed to attract any customers. Even at the end of the week, Otis's data is scant; birds have finally come, but the child must still determine exactly who they are. Clearly, he will be continuing with his research, and visiting judges reward his efforts with the "Stick-with-It Prize." In educating children, it is valuable to remember that the process is often as important as the final product. Poydar successfully conveys the message in this cheerful school story with her familiar gouache and pencil illustrations. A final page lists the scientific questions that match the many projects represented in Otis's classroom. A natural choice for science fair season, this story can be paired with Lynn Plourde's Science Fair Day (Dutton, 2008) and will be useful for general discussions about persistence.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT
Otis lags in starting his science fair project, despite his teacher's coaching and classmates' teasing. Settling on a milk-carton bird feeder, he ultimately wins the "Stick-with-It Prize" when even the birds are tardy. Cheery gouache and pencil illustrations add some verve to the bland story line. An appended activity challenges readers to recall the other students' science projects.
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