Ants Rule

March 1, 2017

Gr 1-3-A look at nonstandard measurements, comparisons, charts, and graphs. A group of ants would like to plan a surprise for the upcoming Blowout Bug Jamboree, but first they must measure the attendees using only themselves (e.g., Caterpillar is four ants long). After the measurements have been taken and reiterated in various tables, a rudimentary bar chart and pie graph are used to depict how many of each bug will be at the jamboree. The final double-page foldout spread features the surprise: a bug-filled roller coaster. The pace of the title is slow and steady, clearly introducing the concept and repeating the data through different visual representations. Barner asks three comparison questions about which insect is longer or shorter, with one set of questions left open for readers to answer and two sets answered within the text. The illustrations, cut-and-torn paper collages set against a stark white background, are reminiscent of Eric Carle's, though the solid black ants are much less dynamic than any of Carle's characters. There is one unfortunate misstep in the grand finale: there are four ladybugs shown riding the roller coaster despite the two charts on previous pages that communicated five. VERDICT In spite of the error, a fine overview of an infrequently written about topic and a natural addition to STEM curricula.-Kacy Helwick, New Orleans Public Library

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February 15, 2017
Ants as a unit of measurement?In Barner's wonderful, Eric Carle-like collages, ants are 1 inch long (as represented with yellow-and-black rulers that run along the bottoms of some pages). The ants are compared to other insects (familiarly called "bugs") in charts, graphs, and different presentations of data. Words and pictures are used to help young learners make size comparisons. As the ants create an amusement-park ride for the Blowout Bug Jamboree, they busily measure their friends: "Caterpillar is four ants long. Bee is two ants long. Ladybug is one ant long." These size relationships are presented on a chart and then discussed in dialogue bubbles by the ants. For the youngest mathematicians, this repetition will reinforce the concept. Older kids in this age group or those readers who grasp new ideas quickly may get bored, but then new insects are introduced, and the illustrations in varied formats will keep viewers involved. A pie chart showing the number of insects that will attend the jamboree helps to answer the question: "How many of each kind of bug will come?" The answer is used by the industrious ants to construct their masterpiece, brilliantly rolled out in a gatefold at the end of the book: a Blowout Bug Jamboree Buggy-go-round! (Unfortunately, one ladybug seems to be missing.) A quirky approach to math that should spur divergent thinking. (Informational picture book. 3-6)

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