Ants

November 1, 2012

PreS-K-A dozen denizens of the garden are introduced in brief and bouncy rhyming text and varied color photos on day-glo, cartoonish illustrated backdrops. Though there are no glossaries, labels and arrows make terms clear, but given that most of the photos are close-ups, kids might be confused about each critter's (largely unmentioned) actual size. Playful rhymes may energize a read-aloud, but sometimes lead to a confusion of words ("Grasshoppers don't have ears like you, /so they won't hear you saying please./Some do have parts that work like ears, /a bit below their knees.") and forced writing (Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!/Ants like to march in line./They march through the grass/in almost no time!"). There is some anthropomorphizing and opining. For example, Bees are "trying to do their best," and "we should all/give spiders our thanks." A "Did You Know?" fact, helpful index, and counting exercise or activity round out each oversized title. Overall, this eye-catching and energetic series is a fine choice if your insect collection for this age group needs updating.

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2012
Preschool-K Bugs! You never know what kids' reactions will be. Giggle and grab? Shriek and run? These titles in the Creepy Critters series choose to introduce various insects in a jolly, rhyming manner, though they are unafraid to insert a few cautionary notes when appropriate. The large horizontal trim will fit well on laps, while the combination of extreme close-up photos and cartoon backgrounds do a swell job of buffering potential creepiness. Ants begins with counting exercises that use both body segments and legs, before showing off cool photos of differently colored ants, ants marching in rows, andicka nest of larvae. Each volume concludes with a two-page exercise involving finding the titular insects within a cartoon landscape, complicated (just a little) by the addition of a few other bugs. Bright, colorful, and acceptably educational.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2013
"It's got six little legs. / Can you count each one? / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. / Counting legs is fun!" A slight rhyming text introduces ant characteristics and encourages counting, searching, and recognizing differences in the large color photos. The inviting design mixes photographs and cartoony touches; the large-size type is easy to read. The final spread includes unidentified (but familiar) creatures. Ind.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)