insects – Page 2 – Mom Read It

Animal Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Fiction, Intermediate, Middle Grade

Westly: A Spider’s Tale is a good, middle-grade fable

Posted on September 3, 2015August 24, 2019 by Rosemary Kiladitis

Westly: A Spider’s Tale, by Bryan Beus (Sept. 2015, Shadow Mountain), $15.99, ISBN: 9781629720685

Recommended for ages 9-13

In a contained garden of a glass chandelier, a young caterpillar is born into royalty. Destined to inherit the crown of the Monarch Butterfly kingdom, he is spoiled and naïve until he emerges from his cocoon – and he’s not exactly what he expected. Instead of a regal monarch, he’s a spider. Horrified by his appearance and afraid he’ll be ostracized from butterfly society, he runs away and lives down below, among the “dirt eaters” – the bugs that live below, on the ground. Not knowing he comes from the arrogant butterflies, they take him in and teach him how to live – but what Westly doesn’t realize is that he holds the key to uniting both societies.

Blending a graphic novel feel with a moral fable storytelling voice, Bryan Beus’ debut novel is a great read for middle graders. It’s kind of A Bug’s Life meets The Ugly Duckling, with a kind-hearted, unworldly main character who goes on a classic hero’s journey to grow up, mature, and come into the leader he’s meant to be. There are wonderfully classic elements here: the villain, the wise old sage, and the curmudgeon with the heart of gold being just a few touchstones that children and adults alike with recognize and embrace. Black and white sketches throughout the book hold the reader’s interest and have a comforting, classic feel.

This is a solid choice for school libraries and classrooms, especially for middle grade read-alouds and units on fairy tales and fables. Animal fiction always does well in my library, so I know this one will be happily received.

Bryan Beus is the winner of the Kirchoff/Wohlberg Award from The New York Society of Illustrators. His author website offers a sneak preview of Westly‘s first two chapters, plus an adorable webcomic called Peter and Li. Westly is Mr. Beus’ first book, but I’m hoping to see more.

Non-Fiction

Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method is perfect for educators, fun for kids!

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Rosemary Kiladitis

Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method, by Sally Kneidel (2015, Fulcrum Publishing), $24.95, ISBN: 9781938486326

Recommended for 16+

Who said science has to be boring? Kids love to play in the dirt, right? The dirt is FILLED WITH SCIENCE. Sally Kneidel brings a love of her subject – she’s got a Ph.D. in Biology and has written extensively on the environment, natural history, and teaching science to kids- to this updated version of her book, Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method. She explains that everyone can find a creepy crawly or two to learn more about, whether you live in a building or out in the middle of nowhere – it’s all about looking under a rock, or between some leaves.

More than finding and experimenting, Dr. Kneidel stresses environmental responsibility. She urges children and adults alike to respect nature, to be kind and humane, and to release our test subjects once we’ve observed them. Do no harm isn’t just part of a doctor’s oath; we all need to remember and take this mantra to heart. We share the planet with “creepy crawlies”, but what do we know about them? Dr. Kneidel knows a lot, and that’s why we need to listen to her.

Written more for adults that work with or enjoy kids in their lives, Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method has extensive profiles on various “critters”: bugs and insects – to give adults and children alike a background from which to work. She outlines the five steps of the scientific method: question, hypothesis, methods, result, and conclusion, and provides activities and questions that will stimulate fun and creative thinking among kids. Beautiful photographs and in-depth descriptions of various critters, including different appearances at different life stages, make this book a hugely valuable resource for any STEM library. Bring this book to your backyard, the park, or on vacation to learn science and have a great time doing it.

This book is absolutely going on my order lists for my teaching libraries! I can’t wait to hear the teachers talk about their field trips.

Dr. Kneidel’s webpage is a great additional resource, with photographs and blog entries on nature, the environment, and social responsibility. You can follow her on Twitter @sallykneidel.

Non-Fiction, Uncategorized

The Alphabet of Bugs is perfect for young nature buffs!

Posted on May 30, 2015 by Rosemary Kiladitis

The Alphabet of Bugs: An ABC Book, by Valerie Gates/Photography by Ann Cutting (June 2015, Sky Pony Press), $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-63220-407-3

Recommended for ages 3+

Ready to go beyond ladybugs and butterflies? Then this is the book for you. Award-winning photographer Ann Cutting presents 26 different bugs in beautiful detail, with alphabetical alliteration by Emmy Award-winning art director Valerie Gates. From the Ailanthus Webworm Moth to the Zebra Longwing Butterfly, there are beautiful, detailed pictures with fun sentences that will kids will love to look at and giggle over again and again.

I’ve already ordered copies of this book for my libraries. The photos are amazing – so crisp and clear, with unbelievable detail. Each page has something exciting to see – a colorful page with a huge letter of the alphabet and a fun, alliterative sentence on the left side, and a full-page photo of an insect, against a colorful background to set off the picture, on the right. And what kids aren’t interested in bugs? The sentences make learning fun, and the book introduces kids to a world of insects they likely haven’t heard of before, expanding their world. There’s also a “Did You Know?” glossary with additional facts at the end of the book.

The Alphabet of Bugs hits stores on June 2. Visit Valerie Gates’ website to purchase a companion poster!