“WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING LARVAE: A Guide for Insect Parents (And Curious Kids),” by Bridget Heos and Stephane Jorisch, Millbrook Pr, March 2011 (ages 9-12)
Ever wonder where baby insects come from? Does the stork bring them, too?
“What to Expect When You’re Expecting Larvae,” answers that question for insect parents and some curious kids.
Insect bundles of joy are called larvae and depending on the insect, the sizes of their broods greatly vary. This book tells where eggs are laid and how many babies to expect. Readers will learn what larvae eat and how they are naturally protected from predators.
There are a great number of insects crawling across the pages of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting Larvae.” Favorites include, but aren’t limited to, moths, bees, butterflies, mosquitoes, aphids and ladybugs.
A glossary, selected bibliography and further reading and websites are also included, helping readers fully quench their bug-reading thirst.
There’s a light manner to the text that makes it enjoyable as well as educational, and the watercolor illustrations give the insects personality while still maintaining their natural form.
If you’re looking for something fun for the summer, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting Larvae” is a good choice. Kids will enjoy comparing illustrations to the real thing.
