Natural History Collector

March 1, 2018

Gr 3-8-An excellent springboard for young collectors looking to begin their own specimen collection or take their existing one up a notch. After covering the basics of storing, labeling, caring for, and displaying a collection, Sanchez presents six sections to handle specific interests: rocks and minerals, animal tracks, seashells, fossils, insects, and plants. Each section addresses the subject's unique needs, supplies, classification, and organization, and provides a related creative project. Also included are interviews with a variety of collectors and a spread on Mary Anning, an influential fossil hunter in early 1800s England. The section on insects doesn't shy away from the realities of collecting from the wild, detailing how to create a "killing jar" for fluttering insects and how to freeze others. While this may make some squeamish, the instructions are clear and easily followed with an adult's help. Sanchez also includes asides with instructions on how to be a conscious and courteous collector-excellent advice for young and old alike. A substantial index and list of additional books and online resources supplement the primary text. Intuitively organized and packed with information and clear instruction, this volume will be beneficial for school projects, independent exploration, homeschoolers, and many others. VERDICT A general purchase and a first purchase where young collectors abound.-Taylor Worley, Springfield Public Library, OR

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