Sally Kneidel

This book describes how to identify, find, catch, and care for 26 different types of bugs. The species are organized into six categories according to habits and characteristics that kids are likely to find interesting (e.g. bugs with special tricks, bugs that communicate, bugs that live in groups, bugs that multiply before your eyes, etc.) While some might take issue with the "soft approach" to science this book sometimes takes (bugs are described in anthropomorphic terms, and the subtitle is misleading as only about half the creatures in the book are technically insects), the language used succeeds in being readable and engaging for children, without patronizing. Pen and ink illustrations provide clear examples to help identify species. There is a real shortage of books about the catching and keeping of backyard critters and this book fills the void well. It could be a useful tool for encouraging outdoor exploration and applicable research. Highly recommended for public and elementary school libraries.… (more)