PreSchool-Grade 2—This alphabet book (Soundprints, 2007) by Barbie Heit Schwaeber offers an interesting and unusual mix of insects, from aphids to zebra caterpillars. Each insect is featured along with four lines of rhyming text. For some of insects, too little information is provided. For example, the aphid poem states, "But to a farmer or a gardener/an aphid is a pest," leaving readers to wonder why. Happily, the informative glossary provides additional information: "Aphids often spread viruses…to the plants they eat." The realistic, colorful illustrations by a number of different artists are sure to engage early readers. The CD is narrated with appropriate enthusiasm by Lara Hirner. The first and fourth tracks are a catchy alphabet song about the insects featured in the book; the second track is the narration of the text provided with excellent clarity and pacing; and the third track is the narration of the glossary. Many alphabet books are too simple for older students, but this one combines unusual insects with a more detailed glossary to maintain their interest. Teachers will enjoy using this book at a listening center.—
Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Another quality read-along book from Barbie Heit Schwaeber and Soundprints Publishing, Alphabet of Insects is an excellent introduction to the insects buzzing around us. Beginning with aphids, Schwaeber covers insects from A to Z in rhyme, introducing some fun facts about some fairly common and some fairly uncommon bugs. The CD starts off with a fun sing along song, then progresses into the narrated version of the book. As with Schwaeber's other alphabet book released at the same time, Alphabet of Dinosaurs, even the glossary is narrated aloud.
There is a sturdy pocket made into the cover of the book for safely storing the CD. A pullout poster of the alphabet is included at the end. With the colorful illustrations and fun rhyme, children will treasure this book and will surely listen again and again until it is committed to memory. Little explorers will love carrying this along on nature hikes to identify insects they come across. The raised illustrations on the cover provide interest before the first page is turned.
Older readers can enjoy the book independently and appreciate the scientific nature of the content. My eight-year-old son actively pursues insects and loved flipping through to see which ones he had captured for his collection at one time or another. My six-year-old son's favorite part was the sing-along. This book really has something to offer for a wide range of ages. --Breeniebooks.blogspot
Part of Soundprints the Smithsonian Institution s Alphabet Books series, Alphabet of Insects features a different insect for every letter of the alphabet. We are introduced to familiar and not so familiar insects alike: grasshoppers, butterflies, weevils, zebra caterpillars, and olive fruit flies to name a few. Along with beautifully detailed and lifelike illustrations is a rhyming stanza describing the featured insect on the page. The rhythm and interesting facts will keep children entertained and engaged.
For example:
H is for Harlequin Cabbage Bug
This insect is a stinkbug
And here s how you can tell:
If you get too close you ll know
It has an awful smell.
This is particularly effective for beginning readers and read alouds. What makes this book even more unique and engaging are the mixed media illustrations by a variety of artists. The details and true-to-life colors will make children squirm in delight. In the back of the book is a glossary with even more information, and you also get a full-size poster and a sing-along CD. This would make a great book for children who are learning the alphabet and/or interested I learning more about insects. --The Well-Read Child Blog
There is an insect for every letter of the alphabet. Even the letter X! Short rhyming verse and illustrations introduce kids to insects they are familiar with and some unusual ones, too. Travel through the alphabet and learn about bugs along the way. The book also includes a CD with read-along and song material. Great for family reading, anytime reading, playtime reading... expand your knowledge of the insect world and practice your ABCs at the same time. This picture book has the potential to keep kids engaged for hours. --The Reading Tub
Another quality read-along book from Barbie Heit Schwaeber and Soundprints Publishing, Alphabet of Insects is an excellent introduction to the insects buzzing around us. Beginning with aphids, Schwaeber covers insects from A to Z in rhyme, introducing some fun facts about some fairly common and some fairly uncommon bugs. The CD starts off with a fun sing along song, then progresses into the narrated version of the book. As with Schwaeber's other alphabet book released at the same time, Alphabet of Dinosaurs, even the glossary is narrated aloud.
There is a sturdy pocket made into the cover of the book for safely storing the CD. A pullout poster o --The Reading Tub
There is an insect for every letter of the alphabet. Even the letter X! Short rhyming verse and illustrations introduce kids to insects they are familiar with and some unusual ones, too. Travels through the alphabet and learn about bugs along the way. The book also includes a CD with read-along and song material. Great for family reading, anytime reading, playtime reading... expand your knowledge of the insect world and practice your ABCs at the same time. This picture book has the potential to keep kids engaged for hours. --The Reading Tub
There is an insect for every letter of the alphabet. Even the letter X! Short rhyming verse and illustrations introduce kids to insects they are familiar with and some unusual ones, too. Travel through the alphabet and learn about bugs along the way. The book also includes a CD with read-along and song material. Great for family reading, anytime reading, playtime reading... expand your knowledge of the insect world and practice your ABCs at the same time. This picture book has the potential to keep kids engaged for hours. --The Reading Tub
