Wasps Up Close

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Each of these lucid introductions consists of a series of two-page sections, more than half of which focus on the physical makeup of the featured animal. The remainder discuss the creatures' habitat, diet, defense mechanisms, life cycle, and relationship to humans. Large, vivid close-up photos of one or more of the invertebrates discussed complement the texts on almost every page. Each title has a suggestion for an observational activity and tips for searching the animals on the Internet. All three books are well organized and clearly written. Although the brief texts do not provide much detail, they include more close-ups of individual body parts than are offered in most other introductions. With their clear texts and excellent photography, Snails and Wasps will be good companion volumes to more detailed works, such as Sylvia Johnson's Snails (Lerner, 1988) and Sara Swan Miller's Ants, Bees, and Wasps of North America (Watts, 2003). As there is comparatively little information on isopods, Pill Bugs will help fill a gap.-Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.