Locusts

April 1, 2021

Gr 4-6-Well-rounded arthropod profiles utilize words, photos, and an extra augmented reality component. Engaging text describes the creatures' attributes and behaviors. The lively scientific tone highlights fascinating facts and concepts without sensationalizing. Excellent photographs with useful captions show key physical features. Two noteworthy spreads present full-body views: photographs show the outside, while a drawing shows internal organs. Readers with a smartphone can access the augmented reality feature by downloading an app, then scanning a marked image on the page. A 3-D animated image pops up on the phone screen. There are three per book; most are visually appealing without significantly extending the information. More impressive examples include the expansion of a tick's body as it feeds (Ticks) and the jumping spider's mating dance (Jumping Spiders). This feature may increase engagement for some readers, but there's also plenty of excellent content for the print-only audience. VERDICT First-rate nonfiction, with a multimedia tie-in.

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