National Geographic Readers: Ants

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

There are so many ants in the world that the number quadrillion is introduced and there are hundreds of different kinds of ants. There is a page which identifies the parts of an ant's body. Also introductions to several varieties that readers may have heard about—weaver ants, leaf cutter ants, and fire ants. They all have interesting characteristics—the first weaves a home out of leaves, the second can carry huge pieces of leaves many times their weight back to the nest or ant colony and the third is one ant that bites people. The ant life cycle is explained and beautifully illustrated. Insets are appropriate and truly add related information. The closing pages contain a picture glossary and a song story to test reading retention by acting out the distinguishing traits of some of the ants described. Those young readers with curiosity about nature will certainly find good information, excellent illustrations, and more in this "National Geographic Kids" reader written at level 1 for those who are starting to read, although even older readers will find plenty to enjoy in this book so it may be very useful in a hi low reading program. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

There are so many ants in the world that the number quadrillion is introduced and there are hundreds of different kinds of ants. There is a page which identifies the parts of an ant's body. Also introductions to several varieties that readers may have heard about—weaver ants, leaf cutter ants, and fire ants. They all have interesting characteristics—the first weaves a home out of leaves, the second can carry huge pieces of leaves many times their weight back to the nest or ant colony and the third is one ant that bites people. The ant life cycle is explained and beautifully illustrated. Insets are appropriate and truly add related information. The closing pages contain a picture glossary and a song story to test reading retention by acting out the distinguishing traits of some of the ants described. Those young readers with curiosity about nature will certainly find good information, excellent illustrations, and more in this "National Geographic Kids" reader written at level 1 for those who are starting to read, although even older readers will find plenty to enjoy in this book so it may be very useful in a hi low reading program. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot