About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts crouching in the grass to watch the tiny movements of the backyard world. It is the perfect tool for a young explorer who has just discovered their first insect and is bubbling with 'how' and 'why' questions. This introductory guide provides clear, bite-sized facts about grasshopper anatomy, life cycles, and behavior, using vivid photography to make the science feel accessible and exciting. Beyond just facts, the book nurtures a sense of wonder and respect for small creatures. It is specifically designed for the preschool and early elementary transition, featuring simple sentences that build vocabulary without overwhelming a new reader. Parents will appreciate how it turns a simple walk in the park into a scientific discovery mission, encouraging observational skills and a lifelong love for the natural world.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book is entirely secular and factual, focusing on the biology of the insect without venturing into the 'circle of life' predator/prey dynamics that can sometimes upset very sensitive young children.
Ideal Reader
A 4 to 6 year old who is a 'backyard scientist.' This is for the child who carries a magnifying glass, isn't afraid to get their knees dirty, and needs a book that validates their interest in the 'creepy crawly' world with real-world images rather than cartoons.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. It is very straightforward. Parents might want to prepare to go outside immediately after reading, as the book naturally inspires a bug hunt. A parent might reach for this after their child tries to bring a grasshopper into the house as a pet or after the child expresses fear of a jumping bug.
