Ants

March 1, 2013

Gr 1-3-A simple, clean-lined format distinguishes these introductions to common invertebrates. Throughout most of each title, a page of large-print text, set on a plain white background, alternates with a full-page, extreme close-up photo of one or more of the featured animals. Additional photos of representative species, apparently life-size, appear above or below the text. Each book succinctly outlines the animals' basic structure, key body parts, distinctive characteristics of particular species, behavior, habitats, diet, natural enemies, and life cycle. The photographs are so sharply detailed that hairs, claws, mouthparts, etc., are clearly visible; captions identify many of the species depicted by common names and offer information on characteristics. Each title concludes with directions for a simple craft, using inexpensive materials; Ants employs paper, sand, glue, and drawings to suggest an anthill, while the other projects simulate outstanding physical characteristics. Ants and Beetles compare favorably with other introductions aimed at about the same age level. Time for Kids eds. with Brenda Iasevoli's Time for Kids: Ants! (HarperCollins, 2005) and John Woodward's Beetle (Chelsea, 2010) have slightly more information on anatomy, including simple anatomical diagrams, but Bodden's titles are broader in scope and boast tighter organization and larger, sharper illustrations. As comparatively little information is available for young readers on termites and ticks, these books will be especially useful, serving as excellent first introductions to these small creatures.-Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

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