Beetle Alphabet Book

Publishers Weekly

Beetle-mania runs wild in Jerry Pallotta's latest nature ABC, The Beetle Alphabet Book, illus. by David Biedrzycki. From African Goliath to Zinc Metallic Beetles, the book is both informative and humorous, benefiting from Biedrzycki's lush illustrations. The text ranges from educational (e.g., "The male Giraffe Beetle uses his unique neck to roll up leaves") to entertaining ("It is not polite to ask a ladybug her age"). Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

In what has become his trademark format, Pallotta explores the world of beetles—the largest, the strangest, garden and agricultural pests, helpful critters, and exotics—in alphabetical order. Plenty of information is packed into the modest paragraph that accompanies each single-page painting. While an entry gives the common name of the beetle, occasionally a clue to the setting, or a fascinating fact, the enthusiastic text also comments: "Wow! What along neck!" for the Giraffe Beetle and "Come on now! Behave! Stop fighting or you'll get sent to the principal's office" for a pair of struggling Elephant Stag Beetles. Some of the entries suggest where these beetles may be found or their sizes (and a nice silhouette stands within the black lower case letter under discussion), but you will need a guide to determine specifics for each beetle and its likelihood of being found in your area. Pallotta's text makes readers think about different kinds of mouthparts, say, or segmented legs or wings, and the way they fold, which are all ways scientists differentiate the immense number of beetle species from each other. Says Pallotta, there are so many beetles that you could probably write a thousand different beetle alphabet books, a sure invitation for young scientists to do one for their neighborhood or state. Biedrzycki's glistening illustrations portray the beetle against a colored background so that details stand out distinctly. Group this with a few insect guides to move readers beyond this lively introduction. 2004, Charlesbridge, Ages 5 to 10.
—Susan Hepler, Ph.D.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-A fascinating look at beetles from A to Z, offering readers a wide array of intriguing facts with a bit of humor tossed in. Children are encouraged to recognize the differences between beetles and non-beetles. ("I am a spider, not a beetle.-Spiders have eight legs, not six.") The author's enthusiasm for his subject and his fresh, quick-moving style of writing add to the appeal. Biedrzycki's realistic illustrations are bold, colorful, and painstakingly detailed. The artwork is absolutely luminous, giving a beauty to these insects. It will draw readers in, but the text will keep them turning pages. This combination of glorious illustrations and interesting information makes for a fine addition to any science collection.-Corrina Austin, Locke's Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.