Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-These books will please report writers, budding entomologists, and anyone who expects children's nonfiction to be as carefully documented as adult nonfiction. Built on an effective formula, each title begins with a page clarifying what an insect is, then moves on to name and describe its exterior and interior body parts, its life cycle, and its behaviors. A comparison with similar insects, a glossary, suggested books and Web sites, and activities round out each volume. The books are notable for the sharp photos placed precisely to enhance understanding. A diagram of internal organs is simple, well labeled, and approved by an expert on the featured insect. The main texts are clear and flow well, while tidbits framed in black hexagons add punch for those drawn to snappy facts. The two activities in each book range from testing your reflexes for comparison with those of a striking praying mantis to making paper like a hornet. Luna Moths and Hornets are the only full texts available at this level on these insects. Termites and Praying Mantises have competition from other publishers but hold their own well. Purchasers should note that Termites is about African mound-building termites, not the common American varieties. There is also one minor error in Termites, an incorrect accent for the word metamorphosis. In all, these books are both professional and appealing.-Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Detailed text and close-up photographs provide an overview of each insect, its habitat, life cycle, and characteristics. A list of similar species and what makes each type of insect unique is included. These books offer a lot of information on each species, and the photographs, captions, and fact boxes broaden their usefulness. Related activities are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Insect World titles: Hornets, Luna Moths, Praying Mantises, and Termites.] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
