BIG BUGS
By: Seymour Simon
1. Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. BIG BUGS. San Francisco, CA: SeaStar, 2005. Print. ISBN: 1587172534
2. Plot Summary
BIG BUGS is a non-fiction book for young children that includes bugs from different parts of the world. These bugs included the giant water bug, a bulldog ant, and a bird-eating spider. With large close up pictures, children will enjoy learning more about these animals.
BIG BUGS is a non-fiction book for young children that includes bugs from different parts of the world. These bugs included the giant water bug, a bulldog ant, and a bird-eating spider. With large close up pictures, children will enjoy learning more about these animals.
3. Critical Analysis
Seymour Simon helps the readers to see the big bugs up close that are discussed in his book, BIG BUGS. The book includes some interesting facts about a goliath beetle who can break glass windows and a bird-eating spider that does actually eat birds. The book contains some interesting facts, but several elements are missing. The author does not include any source notes, bibliographies, or an extended reading list. Even though this book is written for younger children, these non-fiction resources should have been included. These children may want to learn more about these bugs, and Simon has missed the opportunity to extend their learning further.
The author's style is engaging, thanks to the pictures and simple sentences. The book contains enough factual information to keep the reader interested without over boring them. Some of the interesting information included is that "When a mantis catches an insect, it feeds on it like a person eating an ear of corn." The author's information helps the readers to relate to the bugs using their background knowledge. The text is easy to read because of the large print and a text box.
The pictures are large and shows great detail about each bug. The pictures complement the text. Most pages include a small box showing the actual size of the bug. The pictures help the reader to see details about each bug, including close up pictures of bugs you would not like to see close up.
Seymour Simon helps the readers to see the big bugs up close that are discussed in his book, BIG BUGS. The book includes some interesting facts about a goliath beetle who can break glass windows and a bird-eating spider that does actually eat birds. The book contains some interesting facts, but several elements are missing. The author does not include any source notes, bibliographies, or an extended reading list. Even though this book is written for younger children, these non-fiction resources should have been included. These children may want to learn more about these bugs, and Simon has missed the opportunity to extend their learning further.
The author's style is engaging, thanks to the pictures and simple sentences. The book contains enough factual information to keep the reader interested without over boring them. Some of the interesting information included is that "When a mantis catches an insect, it feeds on it like a person eating an ear of corn." The author's information helps the readers to relate to the bugs using their background knowledge. The text is easy to read because of the large print and a text box.
The pictures are large and shows great detail about each bug. The pictures complement the text. Most pages include a small box showing the actual size of the bug. The pictures help the reader to see details about each bug, including close up pictures of bugs you would not like to see close up.
4. Review Excepts
BOOKLIST 2005: "One excellent graphic feature, often used here when the photo has be enlarged, is an inserted box showing the actual size of the animal with its body position identical to that shown in the main picture. Some of the photos are eye-catching and dramatic."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL 2005: "The information is better organized and offers limited but solid introductions to the giant water bug, the goliath beetle, and robberflies."
5. Connections:
~This book could be used to introduce younger students to the benefits of non-fiction books.
~After reading this book, have children find a partner and research more information about a bug listed in this book.
Other books by Seymour Simon
BUTTERFLIES
DEADLY ANTS
WILD BABIES
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