A Ladybug's Life (Nature Upclose) - Softcover

PreS-Gr 2--A series designed to be read aloud to younger children or alone by beginning readers. Each title records the life cycle of a specific insect/mollusk. Mating is mentioned, but specifics are not provided. Death never enters the scene. The realistic illustrations are large, colorful, and framed with clear borders in colors that match the main tones of the covers. Visually appealing, the books have accurate (if very elementary) texts that may satisfy some childrens' immediate informational needs and raise a storm of question from others. Although each title has a brief assortment of facts for adults and a glossary of terms italicized in the text, these sections will prove inadequate if more detail is demanded. While ladybugs are often featured in juvenile nonfiction, luna moths are not, and slugs, alas, being somewhat unlovely, give ground to coverage of their "cuter" cousins, the snails. Nicely done, if simplistic.

Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

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