Scorpions!: Strange and Wonderful - Hardcover

Pringle, Laurence

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1590784731 ISBN 13: 9781590784730

Publisher: Astra Young Readers, 2013

Synopsis

We have been taught to fear scorpions in any form. But scorpions usually sting either to subdue their prey or to protect themselves. In fact, Earth has two thousand scorpion species, but only a few dozen are deadly to humans. With vivid descriptions of scorpions' life cycle, body structure, habits, and habitat and beautiful, realistic illustrations, this new entry in the popular Strange and Wonderful series explores one of nature's feared and misunderstood creatures.

About this title

About the Author

Everyone knows that scorpions are evil and deadly . . . right? But do they really deserve their bad reputation? In fact, scorpions come in a mind-boggling variety. There are at least two thousand species, but only a few dozen of these are deadly to humans. With clear, informative text and detailed, dramatic illustrations, this latest book in the popular Strange and Wonderful series explores the life cycle, habitat, and history of one of nature's most misunderstood and fascinating creatures.

Reviews

Gr 5-7–Pringle's careful research and Henderson's painterly eye are clearly in evidence as they explore the world of scorpions. Ancient dwellers on Planet Earth, armed with often-formidable pincer-claws and tails tipped with a venomous sting, these rather unlovely and unwelcome arachnids have adapted to habitats ranging from arid deserts to tropical rain forests, all the while evolving in size and shape and habits to meet the dangers of environments and predators. Pringle does an excellent job of describing the “average” scorpion and deftly goes on to present its eating habits (no chewing, mostly slurping), courtship (daringly risky for the usually smaller males), reproduction (females give birth to live young), and predators (often larger scorpions–cannibalism seems to run in the family). The colorful paintings faithfully depict the physical makeup of many varieties and are carefully coordinated to match the text. Even libraries that have Pringle's own “golden oldie” Scorpion Man: Exploring the World of Scorpions (Scribner, 1994), an interesting look at scientist Gary Polis and his work, or Sandra Markle's Scorpions: Armored Stingers (Lerner, 2011) should still make room for this handsome, informative work.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NYα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The latest title in the dependable Strange and Wonderful series presents scorpions as fascinating creatures with important roles to play in their ecosystems. Besides briefly discussing the fossil evidence of early scorpions and the place of scorpions in ancient Greek, Mayan, and Egyptian cultures, Pringle introduces a wide variety of scorpions living around the world today. The succinct, clearly written text explains the animals’ physical features and habits in ways that make sense and hold the reader’s attention. Attractive watercolor paintings offer close-up views of scorpions, pictures of the animals in action, and even night scenes, such as an owl attacking a scorpion or a biologist using ultraviolet light to study one in its habitat. Labeled close-ups offer clear views of body parts. Many scorpions are shown life-size, but when one is enlarged, a small silhouette nearby indicates its actual size. With its informative text and handsome illustrations, this book is a solid choice for science collections. Grades 2-5. --Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: Astra Young Readers
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1590784731
• ISBN 13: 9781590784730
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Henderson Meryl Learnihan
• Number of pages: 32