Genre 4: Nonfiction: A Book by Gail Gibbons

Ice Cream: The Full Scoop

1. BIBLOGRAPHY
Gibbons, Gail. Ice Cream the Full Scoop. Holiday House, 2006. ISBN 0-08234-2000-0.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this book Gail Gibbons describes how ice-cream was developed from flavored ice to the creamy cool treat we know today. Gibbons describes the earliest hand-cranked ice-cream maker, the origins of the ice-cream cone and even how a modern day ice-cream factory works.

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Look out Haggen-Dazs, Baskin -Robbins and Braums! Here I come! In this awesomely written book, Gibbons explains how one of America's favorite dessert was developed. It accurately follows the journey of ice-cream from China, Marco Polo the British, American colonies and finally to the grocery store shelves. The organization is outstanding. The book is organized in such a way that helps the reader easily understand the text. From the beginning of the book with the origin of ice cream to the end of the book with the "scoop" on ice-cream, you will be ready to "spring" into the nearest ice cream shop. The format makes the book reader friendly. Possible unfamiliar vocabulary is defined within the text or in captions. When reading this book readers will without a doubt understand words such as "stabilizers" and "emulsifiers." The text is simple and straightforward and the illustrations are colorful, cheerful and well defined. The design of the book is definitely appealing. It will have children of all ages wanting to read more about this wonderful treat. Labels are provided for many of the illustrations making it inviting to the reader. Graphics are placed appropriately. Gibbons does an excellent job of keeping the reader interested in the text. Although intended for ages 4-9, readers of all ages should read this book. It will definitely stir up an appreciation for how ice-cream was developed and it will have you splitting to get a "banana split."

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"There is a lot going on in this book, but the layout guides readers through the wealth of information. "

--School Library Journal

"In cheerful watercolors and a lucid text, Gibbons delivers the scoop on ice cream history, ingredients, innovations, and the mechanics of its small-and large scale production."

--Booklist


5.CONNECTIONS
Other books by Gail Gibbons:
Apples
The Art Box
Bats
Bicycle Book
Easter
Dogs
Horses
The Planets
Sea Turtles
Trains
Wolves

Activity Suggestion:
After reading this book, make banana splits with your class.
This could also be a great book to read before a writing assignment that focuses on non-fiction text.