ANNOTATION

Presents twenty-five questions and answers about insects and spiders, including why bugs are important, how long they've existed, and whether spiders make noise.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This is the third book in our exciting new Kids' FAQs series, with real questions from real kids. Like our first titles, Everything Dog and Everything Cat, Everything Bug is not your standard reference book. It includes real kids' questions about insects and spiders, and answers them in a matter-of-fact way. In addition to providing basic information like habitat, diet, species distinction and life cycle, this book delves into the more unusual—but equally important—questions, like "Do people really eat bugs?" and "Is it true that old poop would pile up around us if insects disappeared?" Everything Bug has it all. Parents and teachers agree, this series is perfect for budding scientists or simply curious kids.

Author Biography: Cherie Winner writes books and articles for children and adults. Her favorite subjects are animals and plants, and the people who study them. Several of her books have been named Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children. Dr. Winner has taught college classes, done research on salamanders, and worked as a newspaper reporter.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Beverley Fahey

Kids who believe that bugs have a certain charm will find a plethora of information in this book with its easy accessibility. The question-and-answer format gives kids the lowdown on the fascinating facts they want to know about. Did you know that poop would pile up around us if dung beetles disappeared? How about the fact that the mother wolf spider carries all 100 of her babies on her back for a whole week after they hatch. It is interesting to note that female trapdoor spiders live up to 25 years, but their mates die after mating one time. Kids will learn why it is hard to swat a fly, the difference between moths and butterflies, and why we would not have chocolate if bugs disappeared. Glossy photos pack the pages and the one-page answers are clear and to the point. Bug watchers will make this a favorite and will want to check out the appended resources, which are book formats and web sites. 2004, NorthWord Press, Ages 6 to 10.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-A compendium of random information about insects and spiders presented in question-and-answer format. Clear, full-color photos provide close-up views of various species as well as an occasional glimpse at children interacting with them. From the first query ("Why wouldn't we have chocolate if bugs disappeared?") through the last ("-couldn't we do without the bugs that bug us the most?"), there is no organizing principle. Although the actual information is more than adequate and often interesting, its inaccessibility is a drawback for children seeking specific facts. The lack of an index exacerbates this problem. The volume relies on its design (which is adequate but not dazzling) to drive readers forward. Although not a useful book for reports, this is a fun treat for browsers.-Dona Ratterree, New York City Public Schools Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.