How Do Ants Know When You're Having a Picnic? (And Other Questions Kids Ask About Insects and Other Crawly Things)

Answers questions about insect and other animal behavior, such as "Why do earthworms come out in the rain?"

Grade 4-7 Although no new information is offered in this book, its attractive format and accessible text should attract browsers. In a series of 50 questions and answers, the authors describe unique behavior patterns and/or special physical characteristics of three dozen invertebrates. Three-fourths of the book covers the habits and peculiarities of common insects such as bees, ants, mosquitoes, etc.; the rest dwells on other small invertebrates, such as spiders, snails, and tapeworms. Each section (most are two pages) deals with a different topic, but all involve how animals obtain food, their survival mechanisms and defense tactics, methods of locomotion, and reproductive cycles. Only common names are given, but important scientific terms are included and explained. There are clear line drawings of the animals described and a detailed index. The text is accurate and easy to understand; however, frequent use of such words as ``nasty,'' ``tasty,'' ``pesky,'' etc., is annoying. The information here is available in encyclopedias and numerous other titles on individual species (e.g., Patent's Lives of Spiders Holiday, 1980; Fisher-Nagel's Life of the Honeybee Carolrhoda, 1985; Pringle's Here Come the Killer Bees Morrow, 1986); however, the appealing format should make this a useful additional title in libraries where there is a strong demand for nature study books. Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.