Insects (What's the Difference?)

Stephen Savage is a biologist and natural history lecturer. He is also an association member of the Institute of Biologists and an adviser for the British Marine Life Study Society. The consultant, Carol Levick, works in the Education Unit at the Natural History Museum.

Grade 2-5-These broad overviews skim over the subject of animal diversity. Minimal texts briefly describe physical and behavioral characteristics common to all insects and reptiles, respectively; special characteristics of some; and pet care. Additional miscellaneous facts are offered in a series of colored, boxed inserts and in the extended picture captions that accompany the one or two clear, color photographs per page. A two-page chart near the end of each title indicates the size differential between the subject and humans. While the photographs are good, the amount of information given on any topic is slight. In most sections, the text consists of only one or two short sentences per page. As a result, important information is either omitted or oversimplified. For instance, a picture caption states that the darkling beetle lives in "the waterless desert"; however, this type of beetle is common, and various species can be found throughout the U.S. In both titles, the section on pets is very superficial, with such a lack of detail that it is virtually useless. Suggestions for care include, "Provide the right food to eat" or "Remember that some reptiles need to feed on live animals." More detailed information is available in Robert Snedden's well-organized What Is an Insect? (1993) and What Is a Reptile? (1995, both Sierra Club).
Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
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