Butterfly

Children's Literature

The wealth of butterfly information in this book is well organized and presented in a clear, easy to understand format, and should appeal to a wide age range. A simple story about the Red Admiral butterfly is written in large type with elements in bold and carries the youngest reader through the book. The story might work as a read aloud. For older readers, more detailed information is presented in cleverly designed sidebars accented with soft pastel backgrounds and delicately detailed, colorful illustrations. Although a great deal of scientific information is included, the generous amount of white space avoids a cluttered effect. A double-page spread of the butterfly circle of life at the end of the book summarizes the information presented earlier. A useful index and glossary is included. The format is reminiscent of the successful New True series, but this book includes more information and will be useful for older readers. End papers include more drawings of all the bugs a young entomologist could ask for. "Creepy Crawly World" is a promising new 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.