About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts lifting up rocks in the backyard or pointing out every tiny crawling creature on the sidewalk. It is the perfect tool for transforming a general interest in bugs into a structured understanding of the natural world. This book introduces young readers to the anatomy, life cycles, and habits of beetles using clear, accessible language and striking high-definition photography. Beyond just being an animal guide, the book nurtures a sense of curiosity and wonder. It validates a child's natural urge to explore and observe small things. It is written at an early elementary level, making it ideal for shared reading with a preschooler or independent reading for a first or second grader. It builds scientific vocabulary without being overwhelming, making it a supportive choice for developing minds.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and objective. While it mentions what beetles eat, there is no graphic depiction of predation or death that would upset a sensitive child.
Ideal Reader
An inquisitive 5-to-7-year-old who is in a "collector" phase. This is for the child who brings home jars of bugs or spends recess looking for creepy-crawlies and wants to know the 'real names' for what they find.
Parent Prep
This book is safe to read cold. Parents might want to look at the 'Parts of a Beetle' diagram at the end to help reinforce the terms used throughout the book. A parent might reach for this after their child expresses fear of a bug or, conversely, after the child tries to bring a live beetle into the house as a pet.
