Insect Metamorphosis

Children's Literature - Emily Ferren

Insect behaviors are explored via the use of photography to explain metamorphosis, in both complete and incomplete stages. A wide variety of insects commonly found in the United States are captured on film. Science comes alive through butterflies, moths, dragonflies, mosquitoes, and other insect life. Chosen as a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Indexed. 1998 (orig.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4 --A distinctive book that succinctly defines insect metamorphosis in an attractive, well-organized format. Each stage is thoroughly explained step-by-step in the simple, clearly written text, while full-color photographs of stunning clarity draw readers in and take them through the process. The book is divided into two parts: the first explains complete metamorphosis in such insects as the swallowtail and mourning cloak butterflies, cecropia moths, and mosquitoes; the second section discusses the development of grasshoppers, praying mantids, dragonflies, and others who undergo incomplete metamorphosis. The organization defines the two types of metamorphosis and enables readers to compare similarities and differences in insect development. Words of particular importance to the metamorphic process are highlighted in italics. Most of the insects mentioned are common in many areas of the U. S. and can be observed in the wild by curious young naturalists. An excellent introduction to natural science. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-The stunning clarity of the full-color photographs and the numerous examples of polychromatic insects that undergo complete, as well as those that experience incomplete, metamorphosis are succinctly delineated and detailed. An up-close look at the insect world that mesmerizes. (June 1990)