Synopses & Reviews
Small is beautiful—or so the bug scientists of the world believe. Insects, they say, boast qualities the rest of us have perhaps overlooked. They are among the earths best fliers and farmers. They have survived and adapted for 350 million years, whereas we humans have been around for a mere 10,000 years. There are millions upon millions of species yet to be identified. Indeed, insects are perhaps natures least celebrated but most successful creatures on earth.
By following the footsteps of several bug scientists, we take a closer look at the extraordinary bugs that crawl, swim, and whiz past us. We visit the morgue, drop by an outdoor classroom, witness a bug bowl festival—complete with a cricket-spitting contest (yuck!)—and travel to the rain forests of Costa Rica—all in pursuit of a better understanding of bugs, glorious bugs.
Review
"The much-maligned world of insects becomes fascinating in this latest entry in the excellent Scientists in the Field Series... With its crisp photos and lively story angles and language, this is sure to attract young readers."
Review
"...sure to be popular with teachers and children alike and it may inspire many young readers to seek careers in entomology."
Review
"Bug-happy young readers will come away with both general information about insects, and an idea of how a fascination with them can turn into a career path."
Review
"The much-maligned world of insects becomes fascinating in this latest entry in the excellent Scientists in the Field Series... With its crisp photos and lively story angles and language, this is sure to attract young readers." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
"...sure to be popular with teachers and children alike and it may inspire many young readers to seek careers in entomology." School Library Journal
"Bug-happy young readers will come away with both general information about insects, and an idea of how a fascination with them can turn into a career path." Kirkus Reviews
Review
Small is beautifuland#151;or so the bug scientists of the world believe. Insects, they say, boast qualities the rest of us have perhaps overlooked. They are among the earthand#8217;s best fliers and farmers. They have survived and adapted for 350 million years, whereas we humans have been around for a mere 10,000 years. There are millions upon millions of species yet to be identified. Indeed, insects are perhaps natureand#8217;s least celebrated but most successful creatures on earth.
By following the footsteps of several bug scientists, we take a closer look at the extraordinary bugs that crawl, swim, and whiz past us. We visit the morgue, drop by an outdoor classroom, witness a bug bowl festivaland#151;complete with a cricket-spitting contest (yuck!)and#151;and travel to the rain forests of Costa Ricaand#151;all in pursuit of a better understanding of bugs, glorious bugs."The much-maligned world of insects becomes fascinating in this latest entry in the excellent Scientists in the Field Series... With its crisp photos and lively story angles and language, this is sure to attract young readers." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
"...sure to be popular with teachers and children alike and it may inspire many young readers to seek careers in entomology." School Library Journal
"Bug-happy young readers will come away with both general information about insects, and an idea of how a fascination with them can turn into a career path." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Move over, Spider-Man. . . . Abundant photographs and a lively narrative make the topic accessible and almost lighthearted, and Heos lays groundwork for readers with a basic introduction to DNA and gene theory."
and#8212;Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A complex, controversial topic, positively presented."
and#8212;School Library Journal
"Clear focus, careful explanztions with occasional repetition of denser information, and a wealth of color photographs make this title inviting and accessible. . . and the kissin'-cute goats should entice quite a few readers to explore this project further."
and#8212;Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Synopsis
By following the footsteps of several bug scientists, we take a closer look at the extraordinary bugs that crawl, swim, and whiz past us. We travel from an outdoor classroom in Indiana to the rain forests of Costa Ricaall in pursuit of a better understanding of bugs, glorious bugs.
Synopsis
An introduction to the field of genetics through the story of Randy Lewis and his work with golden orb weaver spiders andand#160;his subsequent creation of artificial spider silk that can be used to save and improve lives.
Synopsis
In
Stronger Than Steel, readers enter Randy Lewis' lab where they come face to face with golden orb weaver spiders, and transgenic alfalfa, silkworm silk, and goats, whose milk contains the proteins to spin spider silk--and to weave a nearly indestructible fiber. Learn how this amazing material might someday be used to repair or replace human ligaments and bones, improve body armor, strengthen parachute rope, and even tether an airplane to an aircraft carrier! Readers explore rapid advancements in the application of genetic medicine and their potential to save and improve lives while considering the crucial ethical concerns of genetic research. A timely addition to the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series.
About the Author
Donna M. Jackson is an award-winning author of many science books for young readers. Her works include the critically acclaimed Elephant Scientists, Bone Detectives, Bug Scientists, and Wildlife Detectives—all honored by the NSTA/CBCs Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children award; ER Vets, an Orbis Pictus and ASPCA Henry Bergh honor book; and Extreme Scientists, named a Smithsonian Notable Book for Children, 2009. Donna was inspired to write this book on Caitlins work after reading about the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunamis and how elephants may be able to sense shockwaves before such catastrophes. Donna lives in Colorado with her husband, Charlie, and their family.