Customer Reviews

The Bug Book and Bug Bottle

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"The Bug Book"
by Hugh Danks
(Workman Publishing, 2009)
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Originally published in 1987, this is a great, simple gift for any young person interested in bugs and entymology. The small booklet (about 5"x 5") comes inside a slender container made of clear, hard plastic that is perfect for holding captured bugs. It even comes with airholes to encourage humane treatment of any captives. The book itself is very well-written and concise. It includes simple classification standards, profiles of a few dozen common bugs, suggestions for projects for specific species (using the plastic case to hatch a butterfly in, etc.) and a number of strategies for effectively gathering research subjects, such as baiting traps with food, digging small pits, sifting fallen leaves, building "night sheets," etc. There is also a small "bug journal" for children to log the insects they capture, describe their appearance and even to sketch their pictures. (The notebook is the only real shortfall of this science toy, since it only has room for a dozen entries -- perhaps a couple of extra copies would be nice, although I suppose once you get the hang of it, anyone who is into this kind of documenting activity could easily replicate the format in a blank notebook...)

As an educational tool, this is certainly a superior product. It is small and simple to use. The written text is quite informative, but easy to understand, and not overly technical; just the right balance to encourage and inform, but not overwhelm or bore young minds. This is probably best for children between 8 and 12, but is easy enough for smaller children to use as well. Recommended and fun (even though I always feel sorry for the poor bugs... remember to be nice to them!) (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain children's book reviews)

4 and 6 year olds went bug crazy with this book and bottle... got hours of entertainment not to mention a ton of learning about bugs and what they eat. great product.

This was one of many 'bug themed' items for our only grandson's second birthday. He simply loved it. He had become very interested in bugs during the summer so by October (his bd) he was really ready for this ... with his mother's assistance he was able to use the bottle to help a ladybug hibernate and is now awaiting her/his return in the spring.

Author does not "talk down" to the reader. Explanations are clear with excellent pictures. Bought one, got it, ordered two more for friends. Makes a nice companion to GeoSafari BSI - Bug Scene Investigator.

I had this bug bottle when I was a little kid and used it RELIGIOUSLY! Every night of the summer, my friends and I would have lightning bug collecting contests and this bottle served me well. I recently re-purchased the bottle for my 3-year-old nephew and set out to teach him the art of bug wrangling... His mother told me it was the hit of the summer!

The bottle itself it set up with a measuring stick on the lid, so you can properly examine your finds. The lid is easy to remove and the magnifying glass that comes with it is a very nice addition (even if it's not overly 'hi-tech'). The book that's included has basic, easy-to-read information that gives all the highlights of standard backyard bugs that any kid would love to know, without being overwhelming in the teaching process.

My only hope with this bottle is that it's around for a few more years so I can buy one for my daughter as well, once she's a little older!