Leaf Litter Critters

Gr 3–6—Educational and highly entertaining, this collection of scientific poems about creepy crawlers and microscopic organisms is sure to please kids who are equally at home in the lab and in the dirt. Each poem delves into a different resident of leaf litter ecosystems, from mites to the "garden centipede" and fungi, and is accompanied by a "Science Note" paragraph that goes into greater detail about the topic. The verse is light but packed with information: "When leafy litter's parched bone dry,/Most water critters flee or die,/But water bear stays on location/In suspended animation." This compendium is rich with cross-curricular teaching opportunities. Meganck's humorous, digitally rendered cartoon artwork will have readers giggling as they learn. Though the creatures are very expressive, Meganck maintains a nice level of scientific accuracy. In addition to the already substantial back matter, there is also a "Litter Critter Investigations" segment that guides readers through finding and sampling the very subjects included in the book.