Monday, August 29, 2011

Nonfiction Monday: What to expect when you're excepting larvae by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Stephane Jorisch

I've seen quite a bit of buzz (heh heh heh) for this insect book and decided to take a look at it. So much fun! In question and answer format, Heos, presents facts about larvae and metamorphosis and the laying, hatching, and growth of insects.

She covers topics like what larvae eat - and who eats them, peoples' reactions to bugs, and a fun section on the demise of books and libraries as a haven for bookworms and other bugs. The text is in short, snappy sections, easily read aloud to a large group of preschool and up. I am always looking for more nonfiction read alouds and this one should be a hit!

The book includes a glossary, bibliography, and further reading and websites to check out for more information. I was pleased to see Nic Bishop's Butterflies and Moths listed as further reading. These lists often seem to consist of random mass-produced nonfiction but this one has some very nice titles on it.

Jorisch's illustrations are colorful and hilarious without being too cartoony. Worried mama butterflies, smug ladybug mothers, terrified aphids, and the most hilarious illustration of the food chain I've ever seen will make this book an instant hit!

Verdict: There are plenty of titles about insects, but this is the first I've seen that specifically covers larvae and the early cycle of insect life. It's informative, funny, and will appeal to kids from preschool up through third grade. Recommended!

ISBN: 9780761358589; Published April 2011 by Lerner; Egalley provided by publisher through Netgalley

2 comments:

GatheringBooks said...

My daughter just entered fourth grade but I think she would still take to this book. I myself am fascinated by the book cover art - if that is any indication about the pages found within, then this book is bound to be a hit with the children. ;-) Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

And the title is simply BRILLIANT! I've added this to my Must Read list. Thanks for sharing ...

Loree Griffin Burns
www.loreeburns.com