Insects and Spiders

A new addition to a fact-filled science series uses text, illustrations, easy-to-follow cross-references, and fun activities to present all sorts of information about insects and spiders. Teacher's Guide available.

Grade 5-8-Dozens of insect and spider species are profiled in this profusely illustrated overview. Two-page chapters include information on basic anatomy, general physical and behavioral characteristics common to all species, and special characteristics of particular orders. Each spread includes an introductory paragraph, a dozen or so illustrations of representative species, and additional bits of information in extended captions scattered over the remaining space. The art is an eclectic mix of good-quality, different-sized, full-color photographs and drawings. Two features alternate between sections: "Hands On" gives brief directions for collecting specimens or conducting simple experiments, but the directions are often too cursory for the types of activities described. "Inside Story" discusses significant findings by scientists or other experts. Large anatomical diagrams appear in several sections. This book's greatest strength is its colorful, cleverly designed format. The text itself, while clearly written, is diffusely organized, and the index is incomplete. Jinny Johnson's Simon & Schuster Children's Guide to Insects and Spiders (S & S, 1997) is a better bet for reports as it gives more in-depth information on many of the same creatures and is more tightly organized. With its strong browsing appeal, however, this newer book will be a useful addition to natural-history sections.
Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Reviewed with Lin Sutherland's Earthquakes and Volcanoes.

Gr. 4-8. Part of the Reader's Digest Pathfinders series, these inviting, oversize volumes combine fascinating facts and hands-on activities in a series of double-page spreads with lots of bright, clear, full-color illustrations and computer graphics. The lively captions and boxed screens will appeal to browsers; there's also more detailed information for those who want to know more. The volume on insects and spiders presents entomology in an easy, colloquial style that makes the science immediate and accessible, from mosquito menace to the insect-plant connection. The book on earthquakes and volcanoes is dramatic about the geology and about particular earthquake disasters and major volcanic eruptions. Some readers may be irritated by all the puns ("Total Makeover," "On Shaky Ground", etc.), but most will enjoy the combination of catchy headline and exciting science. Young grade-schoolers can talk about these books with an adult; older readers can follow the extensive cross-references for personal interest or as a starting place for reports. Both books include long, full glossaries of technical terms. Hazel Rochman
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