Nonfiction Monday: Insects

We would like to thank the Orland Park Library for providing a copy of this book for review.
Reviewed by Heidi Bee Roemer

Insects: Biggest! Littlest! by Sandra Markle, photos by Dr. Simon Pollard
32 pages, ages 4-8
Boyds Mills Press 2009

Why are some insects tiny and others big? Why do some insects have super-sized body parts? Markle’s delightfully buggy book examines 19 insects and explains why size does matter! For instance, the Western Pygmy Blue Butterfly has a wingspan of less than ½ inch. Its small size means it is less likely to be spotted by a hungry predator. In contrast, the colorful Birdwing Butterfly measures nearly a foot from wing to wing. Its large-size wings help mates find each other. The easy-to-read text also explains why having unusually large features may be beneficial to some insects. The Hummingbird Hawkmouths’ proboscis is extra-long, allowing it to probe deep inside tube-shaped flowers where other nectar sippers can’t reach, while the dragonfly has huge eyes (actually made of many small eye units) that allow the insect to quickly spot its prey. Insect anatomy, metamorphosis, why males are typically larger than females, and the advantages of being part of a large group, such as honeybees and Carpenter Ants, are also explained. Breathtaking, larger-than-life color photos of featured insects are included on each page. My favorite is the photo of the huge, dangerously fierce-looking Hercules Beetle perched on a person’s thumb. Backmatter includes a glossary, additional reading, websites, and a world map identifying where each insect lives.
This post is part of the Nonfiction Monday Round-Up hosted this week by Wendie's Wanderings blog.

Nonfiction Monday: Animal Colors

Animal Colors: A Rainbow Of Colors
from Animals Around the World
By Beth Fielding
Ages 4-8, 32 Pages
EarlyLight Books, 2009
Reviewed by Kim Hutmacher

Book Source: We would like to thank EarlyLight Books for providing a copy of this book for review.

The first thing you will notice about this book is how absolutely stunning the photographs are. Each illustrates vividly the bold and beautiful color of animals from around the world. From the yellow tree frog, to the green iguana to the orange Bearded Dragon to the rainbow of colors represented on a Red-Eye Tree Frog, you will be amazed at the gorgeousness of our animal kingdom. The book could stop with just the photos and be amazing, but it offers even more! Each photo is accompanied by a short paragraph detailing some aspect of the animal’s diet, behavior, and/or where that particular animal can be found. We also learn all the ways in which color can benefit our animal friends. The publisher’s homepage states that their books will excite, challenge and expand minds. This book certainly will!
This review is part of the Nonfiction Monday Round-Up hosted this week by Wrapped in Foil blog.

Nonfiction Monday: Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature's Survivors

Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s Survivors

by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beckie Prange

40 pages, ages 6-12

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010

Reviewed by Heidi Bee Roemer

Bio by Laura Crawford

Book Source: We would like to thank the Orland Park Public Library for lending a copy of this book for review.

Planet Earth, in existence for over four billion years, has been home to a vast variety of species. 99% of these life forms are now extinct. The remarkable survivors—only 1 %—are still with us today. How have they managed to survive when so many others have perished? How did these species become ubiquitous? Sidman’s playful poems zero in on 14 of nature’s survivors: bacteria, which existed 3.8 billion years ago, mollusks, lichens, sharks, beetles, diatoms, geckos, ants, grasses, squirrels, crows, dandelions, coyotes, and lastly, the new-comer, man. Humans have inhabited Earth for a mere 100,000 years!

Various poetry forms are paired with simple text to explain when these successful life forms first appeared, their botanical division, habitat, size, unique characteristics, and how they evolved to avoid extinction. Prange’s gorgeous full page spreads of bold linocuts and vivid watercolor accurately depict each species within its natural habitat. Back matter includes glossary, author’s and illustrator’s notes. Of special interest is the string timeline (see back endpaper) that gives further insight regarding the “recent” appearance of complex life forms. Given starred reviews by major children’s book reviewers, this engaging poetry-art-and-science collaboration is destined to be a favorite in the classroom and at home.

Joyce Sidman says ‘poetry is vivid and sleek- like a racecar.’ She likes using imagery and metaphors when explaining her thoughts and feelings in her books. She says poetry comes naturally to her, and has been writing since she was a child. Joyce believes that everyone needs ‘pondering time’ for writing and life. Her pondering time is without noise and distraction, and happens during her walks in the woods. Visit her web site at www.joycesidman.com.