Ants Rule: The Long and Short of It

Gr 1–3—A look at nonstandard measurements, comparisons, charts, and graphs. A group of ants would like to plan a surprise for the upcoming Blowout Bug Jamboree, but first they must measure the attendees using only themselves (e.g., Caterpillar is four ants long). After the measurements have been taken and reiterated in various tables, a rudimentary bar chart and pie graph are used to depict how many of each bug will be at the jamboree. The final double-page foldout spread features the surprise: a bug-filled roller coaster. The pace of the title is slow and steady, clearly introducing the concept and repeating the data through different visual representations. Barner asks three comparison questions about which insect is longer or shorter, with one set of questions left open for readers to answer and two sets answered within the text. The illustrations, cut-and-torn paper collages set against a stark white background, are reminiscent of Eric Carle's, though the solid black ants are much less dynamic than any of Carle's characters. There is one unfortunate misstep in the grand finale: there are four ladybugs shown riding the roller coaster despite the two charts on previous pages that communicated five.