Bugs Up Close teaches children about the fascinating world of insects.
Whether a child finds bugs cool or really gross, there is no denying the fascination that all children have for creepy crawlies and flying menaces. Bugs Up Close by Diane Swanson (Kids Can Press, ISBN-10: 1-55453-138-1) uses children’s bug fixations to teach them all about bug parts and what makes bugs so special.
What’s Covered
First, children will learn about the parts of insects. Beginning with insect bodies, children will be introduced to the three main sections of an insect’s body: head, thorax, and abdomen. They’ll also learn the definition of an exoskeleton and the purpose it serves. Continuing with insect body parts, Bugs Up Close teaches how bugs breathe (spiracles), how insects use their legs for different eating as well as walking, and examine insect wings. Mouthparts are covered, from jaws to lips to a butterfly’s proboscis. Eyes, antennae, and hair introduced as important insect parts that allow bugs to sense danger, detect sound, and gather pollen.
In the next few sections, children will get to learn how bugs communicate, the types of eggs they lay, and which insects go through metamorphosis. Bugs send signals to let other bugs know where they are and to attract a mate. They also lay different types of eggs; some eggs are laid in a protective sack while other eggs may be hidden under a leaf. Most amazingly, some insects, such as mosquitoes, go through a process known as metamorphosis.
Finally, children will examine some of the physical features bugs possess and the purpose of these features. Colors play an important role in the insect world. Colors can help an insect blend in with its environment or it can serve as a warning to birds that it doesn’t taste good. Bugs shapes also help insects blend in with its surroundings, such as the katydid that looks like a green leaf. Many insects also have special weapons to protect themselves from predators. These weapons include pincers, a sickening liquid that is sprayed on predators, and stingers. Size also helps protect insects from predators by allowing the insects to hide under bark or rocks.
Incredible Photographs
Bugs Up Close is filled with stunningly beautiful and detailed photographs taken by Paul Davidson. The vibrant colors leap off each page, and each photograph is an immediate attention grabber.
Kids get to examine interesting insects, such as a damselfly, mayfly, and tiger beetle. There are also photographs of more common, but just as interesting, insects, such as grasshoppers, dragonflies, and ladybugs.
Excellent Teaching Tool
Diane Swanson has done an excellent job at presenting bugs to children in a simple and exciting way. The format is quick to read, filled with just enough information, and gives excellent examples that teach kids about the body parts, features, and purpose of insects. Bugs Up Close, written for children in grades 2 to 5, is a great addition to the classroom and the home library.
