Caterpillarology

Children's Literature - Tim Whitney

This "Backyard Buddies Book" provides instructions for finding, collecting, and keeping caterpillars. Young readers will appreciate that the text is humorous, clear, and directed to them in its approach. Not only does it provide information about the life of the caterpillar, this book encourages readers to ask questions and to perform simple experiments to find the answers to these questions. Sample experiments are provided, but readers are encouraged to draw their own conclusions from the results.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5Two series entries that encourage kids to observe and inquire into the lives of some of our most commonly found creatures. Both books provide a great deal of scientific information, as do many other existing works. What makes these titles different is their aim to foster children's natural curiosity and get them to think about the world around them. Each book has a section in which elementary-school children pose questions such as "Do Caterpillars Get Dizzy?" and devise experiments to answer them. Some of the experiments prove to be inconclusive, but they still provide a solid grounding in the scientific method and encourage young readers to think for themselves. The books also provide suggestions of places, such as local nature groups, where children can obtain further information. Also included are instructions for capturing caterpillars and ladybugs for observation and a reminder to release them when the experiments are over. The books are visually appealing with clear texts and detailed drawings. Photos of kids with the insects add to the appeal. The information here is more than adequate for report needs but the books are also great for casual reading, and enterprising students might even find a few interesting science-project ideas. Good and slightly different additions to natural history sections.Arwen Marshall, New York Public Library