Bug Shots

Gr 4—6—Insects are virtually on trial in this unusual introduction. The book begins by suggesting that readers "Join the FBI-become a Fellow Bug Investigator"-study the insects' "mug shots," read their "rap sheets," and decide if they are good or bad. After offering general information on classification, anatomy, numbers of species, etc., successive chapters focus on the "suspects," comprised of five large insect groups: true bugs; beetles; butterflies and moths; bees, ants, and wasps; and true flies. Each chapter describes the group's outstanding characteristics, as well as the distinctive physical and/or behavioral characteristics of representative species, their diet, harmful or beneficial effects on humans, and so on. The title concludes by declaring the malaria-transmitting mosquito "guilty" and honeybees "innocent," and suggests further avenues for study. Photomicrographs of the insects or body parts illustrate the text on every page; all are brightly colored to highlight anatomical features. Extended captions offer additional information and cite the rate of magnification. The text is clearly written, and the photomicrographs are remarkably detailed (the hairs on a water strider's leg are magnified more than 2000 times in one photo). While CSI-obsessed kids might enjoy this different way of learning about insects, the arch tone wears a tad thin and seems at odds with the hyperscientific images. Noel Tait's Insects & Spiders (S & S, 2008) and Diane Swanson's Bugs Up Close (Kids Can, 2007) are more straightforward introductions.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library