Insects: The Most Fun Bug Book Ever

by Sneed B. Collard III

Popular science writer Sneed B. Collard III gets creepy-crawly with many different kinds of insects, detailing their habitats, defense systems, communication techniques, and mating rituals. Colorful, closeup photos are paired with a kid-friendly narrative that boasts humor and accessible explanations about beetles, spider wasps, moths, and more.

For kids who love creepy-crawlies — School Library Journal

A lighthearted invitation to join the insect-appreciation "Righteous exoskeleton, dude!"— Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

Published March 21, 2017

About the author

Sneed B. Collard III (see also "Sneed B. Collard") is a biologist, world traveler, speaker, and author of almost one hundred books for young people, including the 2024 Orbis Pictus Award winner, Border Crossings (Charlesbridge Publishing). His other recent science titles include Fire Birds; Hopping Ahead of Climate Change; Little Killers; Waiting for a Warbler; Beaver & Otter Get Along . . . Sort of; and the upcoming picture book, Like No Other. Collard holds science degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and U.C. Santa Barbara. He lives in Montana.

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not particularly a bug person. In fact, I prefer to avoid them whenever possible. But I found this book rather informative and entertaining as well. I haven't read any of Collard's books before now so I didn't realize his tendency to include snide, funny comments in his text. Here's an example: "The housefly often spits out digestive juices to first dissolve the food, then sponges it up. I'd think twice before sharing your milkshake with one" (25). The book has a comment like that on about every page which keeps you awake and smiling while reading about insects. Since the topic is a rather enormous one, Collard keeps to generalities while giving plenty of examples of each of his specific comments. The photographs do a nice job of connecting to the text showing some of the different insects mentioned in the text. The captions help explain why the photograph was included. With a striking cover and full of fascinating information about insects this book is a must have for young insect aficionados.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a book about insects --- that will amaze you, inform you and make you laugh --- this is the book to read!
Filled with facts and delivered with a sprinkling of humour. Fabulous photography.

[Tomi Alger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is an informational book that is fun to read, The pictures are not gross (from the standpoint of someone who hates bugs). The characteristics, food, defenses, and unique traits of bugs in general and in specifics are given. Kids will like this book.

[Elizabeth Finney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done - jokey tone in writing it that will go over well with kids. Several times I wanted to ask for more details, but that’s bound to happen in a children’s book.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

INSECTS: THE MOST FUN BUG BOOK EVER by Sneed B. Collard is a nicely organized informational book exploring the science of bugs.

Although presented in a picture book format, this work of nonfiction is a well-research science book featuring a conversational narrative, detailed explanations, and age-appropriate humor. The high-quality close-up photographs and useful sidebar notes add to the visual appeal.

Organized into very short chapters, the book contains a table of contents and index that are easy for children to use. In addition, the author provides a learn more section, information about insect names, and a glossary.

Although many bug books already fill library shelves, librarians will find this book to be a worthwhile addition. Short chapters focusing on key concepts such as defense and chemical communication make it particularly useful for student research projects.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.sneedbcollardiii.com/.

Published by Charlesbridge, an imprint of Random House on March 21, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information packaged in an engaging, lighthearted presentation.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 1 out of 5]

Collard III, Sneed Insects: The Most Fun Bug Book Ever. PICTURE BOOK. 48 pgs. Charlesbridge, 2017. $17.99. Content: G.
This book features chapters about different aspects of insects, like the chemical communication they use, what they like to each, which are the fastest and the toughest, and hatching. Each chapter is stuffed with information. There are tons of photographs and fact boxes.
This was a long read, only a student who was really into insects would preserve through this, maybe third grade and up. There are many attempts at humoring the child reader, but the references and vernacular are outdated. Unfortunately the publisher did little to try to match the level of fun and excitement that the author was trying to portray. The layout is just boring (again, I am comparing to Lerner, who has their team on the ball), many of the pictures look outdated, like reprints from the 1970s, this could be a print quality issue as well. Some of the picture choices were poor as well, like fireflies, a close up is shown but it’s not glowing! The fact boxes really bothered me, they contained the most interesting information but the same insect was shown crawling around each, which would confuse student readers because the information is about other insects. Bottom line is that if you have to put “the most fun bug book ever” on the cover, it probably isn’t.

EL(K-3), EL –NOT RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
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