Scorpion Man: Exploring the World of Scorpions [Hardcover]

Laurence Pringle (Author), Gary A. Polis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1994 | Age Level: 10 and up

A photographic account of the work of a wildlife biologist who specializes in scorpions.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6?The work of Gary Polis is the subject of this book. The clearly written and well-organized text succinctly describes the man's childhood and early interest in biology, educational background, career as a science teacher in secondary schools, and research as a scientist specializing in the study of scorpions. As Pringle points out, Polis's project "...was the first intensive study of scorpions in their natural habitat, using UV [ultraviolet] light." Another chapter provides brief material on these arachnids' physical and behavioral characteristics. Polis himself supplied over two dozen clear, full-color photographs for the book. Two shots of scorpions taken under ultraviolet light are particularly stunning. There are some minor omissions. Only the sand scorpion is identified by scientific name, and the text states that "Just one deadly species lives in the United States," but neglects to name it. A good companion to Jan Mell's The Scorpion (Crestwood, 1990), which provides basic information but lacks Scorpion Man's fascinating detail on the animals' behavior.?Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. This fascinating look at the scorpion is also a revealing profile of the life and research of biologist Gary Polis. Pringle follows Polis' interest in the feared creatures from 1973, when he was a graduate student investigating desert biology at the University of California, to his current status as a worldwide authority. Polis' own vivid, close-up photographs illustrate the book, showing the scorpion in its natural habitat. Among them is a shot of the scorpions' elaborate courtship dance and another of a female eating her mate. Young people with a natural curiosity about animals or who are familiar with Pringle's other, similar books--for example, Batman (1991)--will be captivated. Lauren Peterson

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (November 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684195607
• ISBN-13: 978-0684195605
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,672,380 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for primary school kids, May 12, 2001

By 

Jack W. Mccullough (La Mesa, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Scorpion Man: Exploring the World of Scorpions (Hardcover)

This is a great book for grade schoolers interested in scorpion biology and natural history. Gary (Dr. Polis) was one of the world's foremost experts on scorpion biology and ecology. Sadly he perished in March 2000 on a research expedition off of the coast of Baja California. This book about an interesting and fun scientist and the little monsters that he was so fond of will spark the adventurer/scientist in any girl or boy. I bought this book for my child and I recommend it to any parent

5.0 out of 5 stars Scorpion man, July 2, 2010

By 

Ulla Bucko - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Scorpion Man: Exploring the World of Scorpions (Paperback)

I gave the book away as a present, was told it is a super book