Nature All Around: Bugs

August 2, 2019

Gr 2-5-Where do bugs live? What are the parts of a bug? How can I tell bugs apart from each other? Hickman answers all of these questions and more throughout this generous introduction to her subject. Each spread covers a different topic in the world of bugs, including which ones to look for each season of the year, how many change throughout their respective life cycles, and which one are just plain strange. At the end of the book, the author includes suggestions for how to protect insects and instructions to make an insect feeder at home (adult assistance recommended). The hand-painted illustrations are detailed, beautiful, and anatomically correct, which makes them a welcome addition to the fun content. Back matter includes a table of contents, glossary, and an index. Second- and third-graders may find some of the vocabulary difficult, but the majority of the content is supported by detailed illustrations. VERDICT Nature-loving kids will enjoy reading this on their own or with parents. Educators will find this book particularly fascinating. An excellent addition to enhance nature and bug collections in school libraries, classroom libraries, and public libraries.-Kristin Unruh, Siersma Elementary School, Warren, MI

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 1, 2019
Facts about insects--including the distinction between the many insects people casually call "bugs" and the characteristics of "true bugs"--are accompanied by colorful illustrations and charts. This author-illustrator team was behind the excellent Trees (2019), and this one continues the tradition. The artwork has a joyfulness that will entice even those who are squeamish about these crawling and flying critters. The text offers simple, but not oversimplified, explanations of such concepts as both complete and incomplete metamorphosis, the different ways in which insects create homes, and the varied locomotion methods of water bugs. The explanation of galls in trees--a fascinating cooperation between flora and fauna--is particularly noteworthy for its clarity and brevity. Each page has a large, appealing heading introducing topics, including double-page spreads for "Bugs in Spring" and each of the other seasons. Several interspersed columns headed "Strange Bugs" give additional facts about unique insects. For example, silverfish have no metamorphosis; they hatch from eggs as tiny replicas of the adults they will become. The section entitled "Beginner Bug-Watching" gives tips on how to identify different kinds of bugs and provides an illustrated list of the best child-friendly tools to store in "a bug-watcher's backpack." A page called "Endangered Bugs" discusses environmental concerns, the value of insects, and ways to ensure their preservation. Callout symbols shaped like ladybugs add more fun to this valuable reference source. No fly in this ointment. (contents, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 7-10)

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