Chirping Crickets (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2) [Paperback]

Melvin Berger (Author), Megan Lloyd (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 18, 1998 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!

That's the sound crickets make. You've probably heard them chirp on a summer evening. But did you know that they make their chirping sounds by rubbing their wings together, and that only male crickets can chirp?

Inside this book you'll learn about crickets, and even how to tell the temperature by counting a cricket's chirps.

Melvin Berger and Megan Lloyd have created a wonderful introduction to a fascinating insect: the cricket.

Chirrrp, chirrrp, chirrrpthats the sound of crickets on a summer evening. A male cricket makes this sound by rubbing his legs against a bumpy vein on his wing. Find out more about crickets, including how they hear with their knees, in this stunningly illustrated introduction to the cricket.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2AA general introduction to the physical characteristics, life cycle, and behavior of this insect. The text is clear and simple but the sentences are occasionally choppy. The full-page, rainbow-hued watercolors are accurately rendered and do a good job of representing the text. Readers' curiosity is sure to be piqued by the inclusion of interesting facts (a cricket's chirping can be used to determine the temperature outside). A final section offers suggestions for making a model, jumping like a cricket, and playing a "Do You Know?" game. An attractive title that will enhance nature collections.AMichele Snyder, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2^-3, younger for reading aloud. Although the book begins with crickets chirping on a summer evening, its scope quickly broadens. Readers will not only learn the purpose of the chirping sound, who makes it, and how it is made, they will also discover a great deal more about the anatomy, life cycle, habits, and habitats of crickets. Clear and detailed, the ink-and-watercolor artwork is often visually striking as well as educationally sound. The book concludes with tips on catching and observing a cricket, directions for telling the temperature by the speed of the chirps, and instructions for a couple of cricket-related activities. A well-rounded introduction. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Collins (April 18, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064451801
• ISBN-13: 978-0064451802
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 9.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #489,994 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Prize-winning author, Melvin Berger, believes that science should always be fun. In his books - he has written over 200! - and in his talks to young people, he stresses the excitement of science and the thrill of scientific discovery.

He also believes in a hands-on approach to science for young people. Many of his books are full of interesting, informative, and easy-to-do activities and experiments.

His great enthusiasm for science spills over into Mr. Berger's hobby of collecting old scientific instruments. In his collection is everything from 18th century microscopes to an ancient chinese opium balance.

Born and raised in New York City, Mr. Berger has earned degrees from the University of Rochester, Columbia University, and London (England) University. In 1983, he was elected to the New York Academy of Sciences. Over the years he has won awards from the Children's book Council, National Science Teachers Association, Child Study Association, Library of Congress, and New York Public Library. He lives in New York City and East Hampton, New York, with his wife, Gilda, who is also an author.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVELY, LOVELY!, April 23, 2009

By 

Elaine Campbell "Desert Dweller" (Rancho Mirage, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chirping Crickets (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2) (Paperback)

This is the second book that I have read by Melvin Berger. The first one was about spiders. Because I like this book so much, I am going on to order two more: one about frogs, the other about bears.

Mr. Berger is a master of this genre. As well he should be as he is the author of more than 100 children's books. He also knows his subject well, since he was elected to membership in the New York Academy of Sciences.

He has an intuitive knack of selecting the most salient and vibrant features to reveal to the reader. The less dynamic or inessential he knows how to keep on the periphery. For instance, did you know that when you hear a cricket chirping, it is a male cricket you hear? Most females cannot make sounds. And again (and I find this fascinating), the ears of a cricket are under its front legs. All sorts of wondrous information carry the reader through this book. It begins: "It's late in the summer. The day is nearly over."

And it ends: "The sky is very dark now. The loud chirpings of the crickets fill the air. It is the nighttime sound of late summer." And then there is a drawing of a cricket in shadow.

The illustrations by Megan Lloyd are quite unique in that they are in darkened tones. There often seems to be a coppery light. Perfect for the child reader.

This book should be a treat for children. As an adult, I find it a delight!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars chirping crickets, August 11, 2008

By 

Cristina I. Wright (WA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chirping Crickets (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2) (Paperback)

bought it for my son. he loves it, very informative. It is fun for the parents to read :)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE LITTLE ONES DOES NOT GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS, January 2, 2012

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chirping Crickets (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2) (Paperback)

If you have a child that is interested in nature, the study of their natural surroundings, or simply loves "bugs," then this is an ideal little book to add to their library. I have to admit to you that I have been a cricket fan since I was a small child and have always been absolutely fascinated with them. Growing up I had them as pets, watched them in the wild, listened to them at night and yes, even used them as fish bait! They are wonderful little creatures.

This work pretty well covers the life cycle of the cricket. Emphasis is placed on how they produce their chirping sound and why they do so. This information alone is worth the price of the book. The text is easy to read with short declarative sentences that offer much information. The way the information is presented in this work gives the adult reader or teacher plenty of room to open discussions with the child.

And then there is the art work. The illustrations here are not only informative and extremely accurate and detailed, they are also quite beautiful. Megan Lloyd had produced some drawings and paintings here that I would be proud to hang on my wall.

This book also includes some nice cricket projects such as making a cricket model, jumping like a cricket, and others. The book is filled with little side-bars of cricket knowledge and lore.

I found this book to be not only informative but absolutely visually delightful.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks