In a previous review I suggested that perhaps my children and I didn't get into the swim of April Sayre's Trout, Trout, Trout: a fish chant because we weren't really fish people. We loved the artwork, which was fantastic and humorous, but the chant of Shad, Shad, Shad just didn't do much for us.
Well apparently that was true, for after two weeks with Ant, Ant, Ant: An Insect Chant we've fallen in love with the book. (Which I guess means we're buggy people.)
In fact, my two-- boy and girl; currently 7 and 9 -- have been pouring over Ant3 every chance they get, sometimes getting into a tussle over who is going to hold the book, or what page they should study. And despite the sometime raised voices, I couldn't be happier as the book is not only entertaining... it's EDUCATIONAL!
The lyrics in this book essentially serve to name the insects in a fashion that helps kids (and adults) to remember their names. (Here's an example.)
Cockroach,
Earwig.
Like them? Can't!
Firefly,
Flower Fly,
Ant,
Ant,
Ant!
I know they don't look like much printed out like this, but if you combine the chants with Trip Park's playful drawings they take on a life of their own. In fact, if you take a look at the picture below, you'll see what I mean. The artwork manages somehow to be both physically accurate and yet preposterous and funny.
And I know the book works as an educational tool because my daughter's already identified a Click Bug based on the picture and description. [This picture --graciously supplied to BFKr by the publisher and Mr. Park-- is one of my favorites. It's sans text if you're wondering.]
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Wrap Up:::
An excellent book that can introduce young children to a broad range of insects. The chants name the critters, while the illustrations and the 4-page 'dictionary' make the book both fun and educational.
Both of my children are using the dictionary at the back to find out more about the insects. Here's what you'll find in the entry on Flower Flies: Flower flies, which are flies, are important pollinators. They feed on pollen and nectar. This is a great kid-friendly answer that's not overly detailed, but just right for youngsters.
Ms. Sayre also is wise enough to guess what questions are likely going to pop up in kids' heads. For example, about Earwigs: Earwigs don't hide in ears or wigs. These nocturnal plant-eaters hide in leaves, bark, and other crevices during the day. They pinch attackers with their two cerci or give off a stinky-smelling liquid.
Fear Factor: The insects aren't as sweetly goofy as some of the fish were. Some indeed seem a little menacing -- which my 7 year-old son thought was cool. That said, some toddlers and preschoolers might possibly be put off. You'll just have to test and see if the time is right.
The Accelerated Reading (wikipedia entry) designation for Ant, Ant, Ant: An Insect Chant is a generic "2" which means that the book is written on the 2nd Grade level, with no precise month assigned.
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