"In a field, beetles toil,
rolling poo (ew!), mixing soil.
Ladybugs on patrol.
Polka-dot pest control."
Our bugs are busy wondering what's up in the middle of Canada. For the third week in a row, we are in the path of a Colorado low that might drop even more snow and rain than we have already seen. It's been sunny the past few days, and the sun is hot - just enough incentive to make ants active and other bug believe that spring is HERE! Not yet, little critters.
For kids who love bugs and long to be entomologists, there is a lot here to learn. The text is written in rhyming couplets that give descriptive small bits of information about each. On most spreads further text is printed on a small piece of notebook paper and taped to the bottom of the page. It includes material to inform young readers about the bugs and their many distinct characteristics. Each entry compares them to a human who works much as they do.
"Spiders plan perfect traps
with lacy nets that won't collapse.
Like architects who design buildings,
golden orb weaver spiders create
strong and intricate webs, which
they can then use to trap prey."
The author uses a strong and varied vocabulary to bump up the learning. It encourages young readers to try their hand at reading on their own. The colorful art will attract attention for the detailed scenes created using materials from the environment and making it look three-dimensional. Back matter contains two pages of Fun Buggy Facts and 'bug-tastic tidbits'. Lauren Eldridge offers a very clear note about creating her illustrations that is extremely informative and helpful.
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