Creep and Flutter

Gr 3–5—Seven sections focus on particular groups of arthropods (predominately insects) that are either members of the same order or share similar characteristics (e.g., beetles and true bugs; butterflies and moths; bees, wasps, ants, and flies). In each one, a page of text alternates with a vivid acrylic painting of one or more of the invertebrates; most open with an anecdote describing the author's encounter with, or observation of, the creatures, followed by a brief description of key characteristics. The margins are illustrated with pencil sketches. A special feature of most sections is that one, or both, of the facing pages can be lifted up and folded out to reveal about a dozen meticulously detailed paintings of species selected for their beauty and variety. Short blocks of text provide additional information on their physical and/or behavioral characteristics, diet, life cycles, etc., while accompanying silhouettes indicate actual size. Although the large illustrations are beautiful and the text is clearly written, organization of material is erratic and some important facts are omitted. Basic insect anatomy is only described in the last section, when it is compared to that of spiders; spiders' use of webs to snare prey is described, but the text doesn't explain that not all species are web-builders. The lack of an index is a definite handicap. Arnosky's title has strong visual appeal, but Judy Burris and Wayne Richards's The Secret Lives of Backyard Bugs (Storey, 2011) is a more thorough, better organized introduction to insects and spiders.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library