Review by Booklist Review
It is truly an insect's world. Veteran science writer Markle's enthusiasm for her subject energizes this title about praying mantises that moves from a general summary of insect characteristics to the specifics of mantis anatomy, characteristics, and life cycle. Young readers will be drawn in by the animated tone ( The praying mantis reaches out fast. Gotcha! ), the numerous fast fact boxes, and the startling full-color, close-up photos of the insect in all its life stages; a shot of a mantis shedding its exoskeleton is particularly vivid. A glossary closes the book, but many concepts and terms are defined within the lively text. Some kids may need help with a few cursory references, such as those to animal classifications, but this well-written and illustrated entry in the Insect World series will find wide use in elementary science classes and as a personal reading choice for budding young entomologists.--Engberg, Gillian Copyright 2008 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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.
