Bug Faces (Hardcover)

by Darlyne A. Murawski (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-This book gives a whole new meaning to the expression "in your face." Using close-up photographs to illustrate the text, the author goes eye to eye with a dragonfly, deer fly, bumblebee, daddy-longlegs, cicada, cockroach, grasshopper, nursery-web spider, ladybug, mosquito, weevil, painted lady butterfly, moth, and several caterpillars. Special features such as compound eyes, razor-sharp mouth parts, and feathery antennae are noted. The large, full-color photographs make each double-page spread visually appealing, as does the arrangement of the text, which sometimes mirrors the shape of the bug. There are no notations on the photographs to clarify the unique features described in the text; it is hard to find the three simple eyes of the grasshopper. However, this is not a scientific book; rather, it is one that encourages youngsters to make up-close and personal observations and also provides some information on bugs that they might otherwise miss. An entertaining experience for enthusiasts and those who might develop a new interest.
Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 5-9. Huge full-page photos in gorgeous color bring children up close to the face of a spider, a cockroach, a bumblebee, and more. The immediate effect is both yucky and beautiful--all those eyes, hairs, antennae, razor-sharp mouthparts--and Murawski's description, appearing with each bug photo on the double-page spread, celebrates the shudders while providing fascinating facts. The heading for the deer fly is "Big-Eyed BLOODSUCKER"; children will learn that the two huge red-and-green circles are compound eyes, made up of thousands of tiny eyes. The picture of the Nursery-Web Spider clearly shows its eight eyes and its powerful jaws tipped with sharp fangs that inject poison into prey. Then there's the weevil that drills with chewing mouthparts at the end of its snout. Elementary-school teachers might like to use this in the classroom; it's certain to be a popular choice for young bug watchers and collectors. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792275578
• ISBN-13: 978-0792275572
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #904,984 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and fascinating, March 30, 2004

By A Customer

The photos are just gorgeous and the text complements it compactly. It's one thing to read in your typical bug book (we have many) that a butterfly sucks nectar from a flower. It's another matter entirely to see this WAY up close. My four-year-old and I love it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even I liked it, November 30, 2000

By A Customer

You may be saying to yourself, "Why would I want to look at bug faces?" But you haven't seen THESE bug faces. Beautiful photography vies with clever writing to produce a delightful book. Even if you don't have youngsters, this would be great on a coffee table.

Bryn Brody

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and oddly beautiful, January 19, 2001

By	Michael J. Mazza (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

"Bug Faces," by Darlyne A. Murawski, is a collection of extreme close-up photographs of the "faces" of insects and other arthropods. The photos are accompanied by interesting facts about each creature. Much of the educational data focuses on the facial features being pictured; for example, the author explains why different species use different kinds of mouths to eat particular types of food.

The photographs are stunning. These creatures are shown much larger than life size, and the photographs capture a wealth of details. These portraits capture a glorious diversity of colors and textures. Species pictured include the dragonfly, the daddy-longlegs, the bumblebee, the cicada, and the grasshopper. There is even a section on the "false faces" used by some creatures in order to fool would-be predators. This is an excellent educational book for children; it would also make a fun "coffee table" book for adults.