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Bugs: A Close-up look at insects and their relatives

Sue Malyan

Non-Fiction (Series)

Ages 4 to 6

DK, 2005, 0-7566-1432-5

Have you ever looked at small things through a microscope? Have you ever wondered what a butterfly would look like if you could make it really big, or if could make yourself really small? Well, you don’t need to wonder any longer because this book shows you what nine different kinds of insects look like up-close and personal.

  We begin our journey into the world of small things by looking at a caterpillar. And what a caterpillar it is too! It is covered with spines – where we are told are poisonous – and we can see that its legs come in two forms. One kind is for walking and the other kind has suckers on it for holding onto things.

  Next, we get to almost touch noses with a desert locust. It is very colorful and we can see how the locust is able to make its signature chirping sound. We are also told that those same legs which can make such sweet sounds can also propel the locust through the air. In fact a locust can jump ten times its own length.

  For each insect the author gives the reader a brief description. The large photograph which dominates each double page spread is annotated with notes which are presented in the first person. Children will feel that they are being addressed by each of the insects in turn. For example the parent bug tells her ‘audience’ that she is “looking out for birds who might crave a bug snack.”

  In addition, for each insect featured, the author provides her readers with a “Did you know…” fact and an illustration which shows the reader how small the insect on the page really is.

  With its large type, interesting facts, and its fabulous photographs, this title is perfect for little children who like insects and other creepy crawlies.

 

 

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