Ant

Children's Literature

There is an amazing amount of ant information packed into this offering from a promising new series. The clear organization and format, and generous amount of white space make all this information accessible to a fairly wide age range. The book is anchored by a conversationally simple text in large type aimed at the youngest reader with questions and main points highlighted in bold to help break up the text. The reader is gently invited to Ting Morris enter into the ant world and observe it more closely. For the older more inquiring mind, the book provides more detailed scientific information presented in smaller print and accented with varied pastel colors and delicately drawn illustrations. The ants themselves are quite appealing without being anthropomorphized. The bright colors of nature add to the book's attractiveness. Descriptions of a variety of ant species and behaviors, and a clearly presented diagram of an ant body are included in the book. Ant development is described and illustrated and then repeated and summarized in a double-page spread life cycle at the end of the book. The book includes a useful glossary and index. The end papers are an extra bonus of entomological information and serve to tie the series together. The format is reminiscent of the successful "New True Books," but this book includes far more information. Science teachers and nature enthusiasts will look forward to other books in the "Creepy Crawly World" series. 2005, Smart Apple Media, Ages 6 to 9.
—Quinby Frank

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-These introductions use three different type fonts and a fluid arrangement of illustrations to draw readers into each scenario. As youngsters embark on a virtual nature walk, they observe close-up views of wood ants and a red admiral butterfly. The main text, which appears in large print on about every other page, briefly describes the insects' characteristics, habitat, diet, defense mechanisms, and life cycle. One or two key sentences are emphasized by appearing in even larger, bold-faced print. Realistic acrylic paintings in vivid colors depict the creatures discussed on every page. Some partially frame the main text, but the majority of them appear on the opposite page where they are surrounded by extended picture captions and assorted sidebars-all in small print. These short paragraphs offer more details and special characteristics of about a dozen different species. Each title also includes a simple anatomical diagram of the insect with descriptions of major body parts and a two-page diagram of its life cycle. Both titles are clearly written and logically organized. Oddly, the species portrayed on the cover of Butterfly is a swallowtail, not a red admiral. While similar titles are readily available, Morris's books will be useful additions; their bright illustrations and clever design have definite browser appeal.-Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.