Crayfish

Children's Literature

What is that monster staring at you from the murky mud? It has bulging eyes, long antennae, and horrible looking claws. This scourge of the deep, this little monster, is the crayfish. While the tone and language of the book make it useful in most of the early grades, it also gives older children a starting point in the study of Crustaceans. Broken into five chapters, Phyllis Grimm covers all the essential information regarding the definition of a Crayfish and its physical characteristics as well as its food, reproduction and defenses. Included in the book is an extensive and easy to understand glossary. Jerry Boucher complements the wellorganized text with vivid and colorful photographs. Lastly, there is the section titled On Sharing a Book, which gives ideas to adults regarding how to use this book as a learning tool and even suggests possible activities. As a part of "The Early Bird Nature Books Series," this book contains excellent photographs and easy to understand explanations. 2001, Lerner Publications Company, Ages 3 to 12, $22.60. Reviewer: John D. Orsborn

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-A basic introduction to these crustaceans, related in an easy-to-read, large-type text and illustrated with full-color photos. Unfortunately, the pictures are often flat and hazy, and the diagram shows only this creature's external parts. The book will fulfill assignment needs, but the format cries out "classroom text" and won't attract browsers.-Nora Jane Natke, Hooked on Books, Hollywood, FL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.