The Beetle Book

A book about many types of beetles with pictures and a diagram of the different parts of a beetle.
AGES: 4-6
SOURCE: Grandstaff Library JBLM

Amazing artwork and fascinating facts about a veritable host of beetles from around the world. Jenkins' cut paper art never ceases to amaze me with its detail accuracy and vibrant colors. My favorite species was the feather-horn beetle with its delicately beautiful antennae that look like barnacles' mouth parts. ( )

I love this book. I do love bugs except when they're in my house or on me so I have to admit to some bias. But the book is so well done I think I am being fair.

First off, the illustrations are gorgeous. This is partially because the bugs themselves are so beautiful, but also because of the cut paper look to them. (Not sure how it's done but that's what it looks like.) There are gobs of illustrations and they all illustrate the text. If a bug is mentioned, it is pictured, both in color and a silhouette of its actual size.

Each beetle illustrates something in the text like methods of disguise, movement, and defense. A wide variety of examples are given to show how diverse these insects are. The text is given in separate descriptions next to each illustration, breaking it up into readable chunks. This makes the text and illustrations flow together and keeps the reader on track.

The text isn't dry even though it covers just about everything I could think of except reproduction but since this is a children's book, I understand.

This book is suitable for someone of any age. I found it fascinating. While the text would be way to difficult and confusing for my pre-school nephew, he would love the brightly colored pages and the names of the beetles. Someone reading to him could also read a factoid or two each time to sustain his interest from read to read. A younger child might just like the pictures. An older child would be able to read most of it herself. The words are not hard. Even most of the beetle names are fairly easy. The latin names are in the back of the book as are the lengths for any beetl whose size is not mentioned.

I can't say enough about how great this book is. I highly recommend it. ( )

I love this book. I do love bugs except when they're in my house or on me so I have to admit to some bias. But the book is so well done I think I am being fair.

First off, the illustrations are gorgeous. This is partially because the bugs themselves are so beautiful, but also because of the cut paper look to them. (Not sure how it's done but that's what it looks like.) There are gobs of illustrations and they all illustrate the text. If a bug is mentioned, it is pictured, both in color and a silhouette of its actual size.

Each beetle illustrates something in the text like methods of disguise, movement, and defense. A wide variety of examples are given to show how diverse these insects are. The text is given in separate descriptions next to each illustration, breaking it up into readable chunks. This makes the text and illustrations flow together and keeps the reader on track.

The text isn't dry even though it covers just about everything I could think of except reproduction but since this is a children's book, I understand.

This book is suitable for someone of any age. I found it fascinating. While the text would be way to difficult and confusing for my pre-school nephew, he would love the brightly colored pages and the names of the beetles. Someone reading to him could also read a factoid or two each time to sustain his interest from read to read. A younger child might just like the pictures. An older child would be able to read most of it herself. The words are not hard. Even most of the beetle names are fairly easy. The latin names are in the back of the book as are the lengths for any beetl whose size is not mentioned.

I can't say enough about how great this book is. I highly recommend it. ( )

Another fabulous nature book from Steve Jenkins packed with amazing illustrations and great information. ( )