Spiders are famous for their complex webs, but that's not how all of these eight-legged critters catch food. Some chase prey on the ground. Others hide and grab bugs that come too close! Excite kids' natural curiosity with this Smithsonian Little Entomologist book about splendid spiders from around the world. Readers will be wowed by the amazing variety of arachnids and up-close photos, while also learning about bug behavior, life cycles, classification, and more. The engaging, leveled text supports life science curriculum.
"These animal profiles are organized into several broad groups (such as bristle worms and tree crickets), providing a useful approach given the wide variety of species. Qualities specific to the group, like habitat and size, are neatly woven in with broader topics that apply to most or all varieties, such as life cycles. Physical characteristics and behavior are clearly explained along with a mixture of more specific, often fascinating facts, such as the mating habits of bush crickets. Size, range, and number of species are provided for each group. Most spreads include a single large photograph, well chosen to highlight the animal's physical features. Captioned diagrams offer further visual support. In some cases, inset close-up photographs provide useful visual context. VERDICT High visual appeal, strong informational presentation, and facts about unusual creatures make this a first choice for the 590s."
