You can be an entomologist: Investigating insects with Dr. Martins

This book combines a lot of great elements to create an insect book that will appeal to many different audiences (except, probably, people with insect phobias). It's a great overall format and I look forward to more "You can be an.... " titles.

Narrated by a real entomologist, Dr. Martins explains what an entomologist is, what he does in particular, and how kids can study insects. He answers questions about insects, showing how important they are to life on earth and how little is known about them. The book finishes up with directions for studying insects, finding a new species, a simple glossary, and a page of credits, resources, and identification for three insects without captions.

What makes this book so useful, is that it can be read aloud, using just the text in the boldest, biggest font and looking at the pictures. It can be read alone, by a beginning reader, with a little help for some of the more complex vocabulary words. It can be studied by a group, with suggestions for research and many jumping-off points for learning more about insects and entomologists. It's also interesting! Dr. Martins explains how and why he works with insects and a little about the different places he works, especially in Kenya.

Verdict: A must-have for easy nonfiction sections, classrooms, and anyone interested in studying and learning about insects. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781426333545; Published April 2019 by National Geographic Kids; Borrowed from another library in my consortium