Are You a Grasshopper?

Publishers Weekly

Two additions to the Backyard Books series by Judy Allen, illus. by Tudor Humphries, let readers experience a day in the life of common creatures. Are You an Ant? puts the eponymous picnic-invaders under the microscope; Are You a Grasshopper? takes a similar close-up view of its subject. Humphries's illustrations capture even the tiniest details. (Apr.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

How do you know if you are a grasshopper? If you are, you will change your skin at least four times in your lifetime. You also have pegs on the inside of each leg that will make a chirping sound when you rub them against your wings. And you have suction pads on your feet that help you cling to stems and branches. These and more facts about grasshoppers are presented in a light, conversational way in this book geared toward a preschool age audience. A "Did You Know" section can be found at the back of the book, which lists even more grasshopper trivia. One of several in the "Backyard Books" series, this book is a fun read and would be both a good read-aloud or easy reader for a child to read on their own. It is sure to educate and entertain at the same time. Color illustrations help bring the grasshopper trivia to life. 2004, Kingfisher/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 3 to 6.
—Jennifer Chambliss

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3-Easy-readers that offer a virtual bug's-eye view of the world. Vivid watercolor paintings on two-page spreads depict the subject insect in its backyard habitat; most views are close-ups, with the creature juxtaposed against towering leaves of grass, weeds, flowers, etc. (Several illustrations in Ant show the worker in its underground nest.) Short sentences in large, bold type are set against a white background. The lines of text are fluid, often broken up and framed by foliage, or sometimes wings of birds and body parts of other small animals. Each book begins by asking the title question, and then addresses readers directly, outlining the insect's daily experiences (e.g., "Work hard to build a nest.-It's all right; you don't have to work alone"). The books briefly describe hatching, growth and development, outstanding physical and behavioral characteristics, diet, defense mechanisms, and natural enemies, and conclude with a reality check: "However, if your mother and father look like this-you are not a-.You are-a human child." An addendum offers miscellaneous facts. Although the texts are clearly written and well organized, not all of the terms are defined, such as "aphid," "acid," and "poison" in Ant. Still, these attractive titles will be good companion volumes for Steve Parker's It's an Ant's Life (Reader's Digest, 1999) and Amanda Harman's Grasshoppers (Grolier, 2001), both of which are more detailed and aimed at a somewhat higher reading level.-Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.