Book Description
for Insect Detective by Steve Voake and Charlotte Voake
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
A colored ground beetle is a “precious jewel.” The leaf-miner caterpillar protects itself from predators between layers of leaves, “a bit like hiding in a sandwich!” Author Steven Voake invites appreciation for insects in a book that encourages readers to “Listen,” “Look,” and “Count” in order to notice the small yet marvelous creatures all around. Short bursts of added information accompany the main narrative, which moves seamlessly from page to page, insect to insect. Illustrator Charlotte Voake portrays each creature softly with pen and watercolor, enhancing the idea that insects are wondrous rather than scary. The final pages suggest ways to “Be an Insect Detective,” providing ideas for simple outdoor projects and activities. The volume engages and inspires further investigation by drawing on children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. “All you have to do is open the door and step outside.” (Ages 4–9)
CCBC Choices 2011. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2011. Used with permission.