Praying Mantises

Children's Literature - Chris Newsham

This title from the "WOW" or "World of Wonder" series, is an introductory level book about praying mantises. Each two page chapter has one page of simple text and an accompanying full-page color photograph. The photos of the life cycle of the praying mantis and one used to show its physical characteristics are labeled for easy identification. This book has a table of contents, index, and glossary, with the words from the glossary shown in bold in the text. If the book was being used for a beginning research experience, the table of contents rather than the index would be more useful to direct students to typical research information such as data concerning the life cycle, physical characteristics, diet, and habitat of this insect. "What Does a Praying Mantis Look Like?" and "What's for Dinner?" are listed on the contents page. The words "eyes" and "prey" in the index will eventually lead readers to the same information, but it will not be easy for a beginning research student to search through the words in the index and make the connection to the research questions they have asked. There are instructions for making a model of a praying mantis, using simple materials, and while they are not too difficult to follow, a picture of the final project would be helpful. For further information, the reader is directed to visit four websites. They all have long addresses that would be difficult for a young child to type in accurately. One address led to a commercial site for pest control information and not a site for children. This book would best be used for its colorful photographs and introductory information for early elementary school grade teachers looking for a book on insect lifecycles. Reviewer: Chris Newsham