Amazing Insects (Eyewitness Junior) - Softcover

Mound, Laurence

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0679839259 ISBN 13: 9780679839255

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1993

Synopsis

Photographed in full color. Discover butterflies who taste with their feet, an aphid that produces its young without mating, and honeybees who talk to each other by dancing.

About this title

From the Back Cover

"Don't miss this book."--Science Books & Films.

From the Inside Flap

in full color. Discover butterflies who taste with their feet, an aphid that produces its young without mating, and honeybees who talk to each other by dancing.

Reviews

Grade 3-5-Eye-catching photographs are matched with a snappy, if superficial, text. Two-page sections briefly introduce insect anatomy, diet, communication, development of young, defense mechanisms, relationship to humans, etc. A sharply defined, closeup of one or more insects appears in each section, set against a plain white background. Surrounding this image are several small, full-color drawings of different species, each accompanied by an extended caption. These short blocks of text either describe a physical or behavioral characteristic of the creature depicted, or present miscellaneous facts about it. A wide variety of insects are included- houseflies, dung beetles, grasshoppers, ants, wasps, etc. Although this title is clearly written and visually appealing, the information provided is too slight for school reports. In addition, while the text describes the processes of metamorphosis and molting, and compound eyes are discussed, it fails to employ those terms. (Oddly enough, a less common term, "palpi," is defined.) A basic fact-that all insects have six legs-is not mentioned. While most of the species premon term, "palpi," is defined.) A basic fact-that all insects have six legs-is not mentioned. While most of the species presented are identified by their common names, not all are. A more serious flaw, however, is the frequent use of anthropomorphized cartoons to illustrate bits of information. These attempts at humor do not match the straightforward tone of the text and have no place in a science book. Dorothy Souza's Insects Around the House; Insects in the Garden; and What Bit Me? (all 1991, Carolrhoda), aimed at about the same age level, are more detailed and cogent introductions.
Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0679839259
• ISBN 13: 9780679839255
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 30