Pet Bugs: A Kid's Guide to Catching and Keeping Touchable Insects (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-This title offers simple instructions for capturing and keeping 26 kinds of common arthropods: ladybugs, pillbugs, millipedes, termites, crickets, several species of butterflies, jumping spiders, etc. (Despite the title, not all of the creatures discussed are insects.) Each animal is discussed in a four-page chapter that describes physical characteristics, natural habitat, techniques for catching and then housing it, and behavior that may be observed. Boxed inserts cite each animal's class, order, and family; summarize its characteristics and basic diet; and note its general distribution across the U.S. Two or three clear, pen-and-ink drawings depict each animal discussed; color would have been more useful for identification purposes. Most of the text is clearly written; however, the section explaining aphid reproduction has conflicting statements. Anthropomorphism is a problem throughout. Insect offspring are often referred to as "girl babies" or "boys." Oddly enough, the correct terms are also used, sometimes in the same sentences. Personal anecdotes and comments by the author are sprinkled throughout the text. Some simple experiments are suggested; most, but not all, are humane. Ellen Doris's Entomology (Thames and Hudson, 1993) is concisely written, has a more scientific approach, and is illustrated with excellent color photographs. Although it only includes directions for collecting and keeping a few of the same insects included in Kneidel's title, it is a better choice for purchase until a more scientific, better illustrated guide is published.
Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-6. The clear and direct title, a beacon to some, doesn't really convey just how much can be learned here. After a brief introduction to the principles of collecting and to insects that are NOT to be picked up, Kneidel treats 25 insects in detail, making each insect's behavior and life cycle interesting as she explains how to recognize, find, catch, and keep a specimen. We find, for example, that ladybugs are picky eaters, that some tent caterpillars are slower than others, and that maggots and mealworms shouldn't be confused simply because kids think both are gross. Especially good are the discussions on social insects. Mary Harris Veeder

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (May 9, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047131188X
• ISBN-13: 978-0471311881
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #412,923 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Natural Wonder, November 3, 2000

By	Nick (Singapore) - See all my reviews

Who would have thought the bugs would make such great pets ? Pet bugs is an original and exciting book to introduce children and adults to the wonderful world of bugs.

Pet Bugs is a unique book of it's kind as there isn't much books around on keeping insects, after all who wants to keep a slimy bug? But this book is different. It shatters the image of "slimy bugs" and introduces these creatures as ideal pets.

Pet Bugs is a well organised and a highly detailed book. The book is divided into different chapters, and each chapter specialises in a specific kind of bug- for example butterflies. Each chapter talks about three or four bugs you can keep, with information on how to catch the bugs, where to find the bugs, how to house the creature and feed them. Information on each bug is also provided, which is easy to understand.

This is an excellent book however, if photographs where included, it could have been better.

Overall this book is for any pet lover or budding naturalist alike.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pet Bugs saves many lives, April 22, 2000

By A Customer

Pet Bugs is going to save the lives of many innocent bugs, at least in our house. It tells you how to care for them, what to feed them, and what to watch for when you're interested in learning from them. My five year old and I love the information in this book--and so will the bugs that have an improved chance at life in captivity.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My cousin loved it!, April 4, 2004

By	Anja (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews

My cousin is a bugaholic and loved this book. It definitely came in handy especially during the summer. Kudos to the author for writing a knowledgeable and readable book for my 9-year-old cousin!