Literature Links
Insects: Biggest! Littlest! by Sandra Markle and is most appropriate for students in grades
(Boyds Mills Press, 2009), is a wonderful two through six. This book has excellent
non-fiction book for students from kindergar- photography and addresses many aspects of
ten through fourth grade. Photography by Dr. insect life. Although this is an excellent book
Simon Pollard adds great detail and accuracy to with factual and detailed information, it is
the information pro- somewhat sensationalistic. It is true that some
vided. The text uses readers may be drawn in because of content
questions to introduce that includes things like a professor who pro-
facts in an effective motes bug-eating and a forensic entomologist
way. The language who studies larvae feasting on corpses, but
is conversational and it is important to accompany texts like this
simple but conveys with other portrayals of what it means to be a
important ideas about scientist. The approach of some of the writing
defenses like camou- recalls the kinds of stories in which scientists
flage, predation, life are portrayed as insane, wacky, weird, etc.; it
cycles, and habitat. is questionable as to how this benefits science
Following the text is a education.
world map indicating
where each insect can Insect Detective, by Steve Voake (Candle-
be found, a glossary, and resources for further wick Press, 2010), is a fascinating picture book
information. The author is a former elementary that directs readers to investigate their worlds
school teacher. This is good book for indepen- in search of some of the millions of insects
dent research or read alouds. around them, “doing strange and wonderful
things.” Discussions of colony versus indepen-
Insects Are my Life, by Megan MacDonald dent life, homebuilding, food, behavior, and
(Orchard Books, 1995), is the story of a girl relationships with other insects and humans
who loves studying bugs. Amanda Frankenstein are included. The illustrations and text are
advocates for them, helping ants to cross the drawn by Charlotte Voake and convey a kind
road, liberating jarred fireflies, and walking of quiet wonder about the topic. This book
around spider webs. She crafts a pair of wings encourages gentle observation, exploration, and
for herself; she opens the window at night with inquiry for first through fourth graders. A few
the lamp on to attract all manner of critters activities are included at the end of the book.
indoors. But her somewhat limited focus proves
difficult when it comes to making friends and
even fitting in with her family. Social issues like
sharing, communication, and cooperation are a
big part of the story and this book can be used
to lead discussions with your class on these
topics. Amanda’s factual knowledge and vivid
imagination convey a lot of specific, bug-related
information that could prove useful during
an integrated study of bugs. This interesting,
funny, and fact-filled fiction is for younger
elementary students.
The Bug Scientists, by Donna M. Jackson
(Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002), is a non-
fiction book introducing several entomologists
page 22 • Connect © synergy learning • 800-769-6199 • March/april 2010