- Subjects
- Published
-
Allston, Mass. :
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
2005.
- Edition
- 1st ed
- Language
- English
- Physical Description
- 32 p. : col. ill
- Bibliography
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 31) and index.
- ISBN
- 1550051148
1550051199 - Main Author
Gr. 2-4. Aimed at young naturalists, this project-oriented study combines basic facts about worm anatomy and behavior with general instructions for building, maintaining, and performing simple experiments with both a plastic-bottle "wormery" and a more ambitious compost bin. A mix of color photos and simple paintings offer cutaways views of worms and their burrows, representations of several types of earthworms, and pictures of finished projects. As demonstrated by the large, multimedia resource list at the end of the book, there's no lack of published information on the topic, but this is a solid additional purchase, with an appealingly squirmy cover photo. ((Reviewed September 1, 2005)) Copyright 2005 Booklist Reviews.
Review by School Library Journal ReviewsGr 3-5-The indispensable earthworm gets its due in this breezy introduction. Short blocks of text accompanied by color photographs and/or drawings explain the invertebrate's ecological importance as a recycler of organic material. The author also describes the animal's chief characteristics, the distinctive characteristics of three common species, major internal organs and their functions, diet, feeding habits, life cycle, etc. References to Charles Darwin's research on the subject are scattered throughout and suggestions are offered for conducting versions of some of his simpler experiments. Brief directions for constructing a wormery and a worm composting bin are included; adult assistance is required for both projects. Assorted sidebars present miscellaneous facts or tips on humane handling of worms. Most of the photographs are close-ups; included among the drawings are large diagrams of major body parts, underground burrows, and more. The text has a lively style and is, for the most part, clearly written. Molly McLaughlin's Earthworms, Dirt and Rotten Leaves (S & S, 1986) lacks the lively layout of Dixon's title but takes a more scientific approach and offers more details, experiments, and nature study activities. Despite minor flaws due to oversimplification, Lowdown will be a useful addition to libraries.-Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Discusses the different types of species, anatomy, habitats, and behavior of earthworms.