Caterpillars

Children's Literature

For youngsters who like caterpillars, this is the book to have. Detailed, larger-than-life, bright colored photos of every phase of a caterpillar's life are sure to grab the attention of youngsters. From cover to cover, nothing is dull in this book from the "Keeping Minibeasts" series. Eleven two-page spreads offer practical advice about keeping caterpillars. The text includes such topics as habits, handling, feeding, and releasing the minibeasts. Readers can learn the caterpillar family has about 150,000 different species, some eat only at night, and some live in water. Easy-to-read large print text with two to five sentences per page is suitable for young readers. Simple instructions with matching photos dole out information on how to construct a caterpillar cage. If any discrepancy exists, it stems from the fact that information states some of the beasts cause skin rashes so the reader should move them with brush and cup and directly opposite this page is a photo of an enlarged hand holding a caterpillar. Whether youngsters can read the text or not, they will find the sharp photos captivating. End matter consists of a page full of unusual facts, an index, and a lovely two-page photo of a super sized caterpillar. Add this book to library or classroom shelves for budding young entomologists or any child curious about minibeasts. 2005, Sea to Sea Publications, Ages 5 to 8.
—Nancy Garhan Attebury