What do you think?
Rate this book
Backyard Detective: Critters Up Close
A dramatic life-size photographic view of the natural world that combines the challenge of I Spy with the learning excitement of DK's Eyewitness.
Welcome to the fascinating world of your own backyard, where more than 125 bugs, worms, and small critters play out the drama of life in miniature. Seven life-size backyard environments, from the soil, to the vegetable garden, to the air above, are vividly depicted in enticingly lush photographic scenes. Scenes are followed by informational spreads which identify all animals and relate intriguing facts about survival in each environment. Includes natural science projects, essential safety information, and an inviting "visual index" for easy reference.
Welcome to the fascinating world of your own backyard, where more than 125 bugs, worms, and small critters play out the drama of life in miniature. Seven life-size backyard environments, from the soil, to the vegetable garden, to the air above, are vividly depicted in enticingly lush photographic scenes. Scenes are followed by informational spreads which identify all animals and relate intriguing facts about survival in each environment. Includes natural science projects, essential safety information, and an inviting "visual index" for easy reference.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
59 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 5, 2011
There are some truly beautiful habitat pictures in this book. My boys love looking at the pictures and it makes them want to explore more of the world outside. Anything that will stop them from screaming every time they see a little bug deserves mega bonus points. The text is also informative and I think the entire book was setup very well.
May 6, 2021
Large picture pages with bugs in it. Factual information about bugs with a tiny pic accompanying it so you can see what they are talking about. Ideas at the back for investigation in your own yard.
February 5, 2020
My son and I just had a blast reading this book. We love the layout of look for hidden/camouflaged insects/ bugs/critters then read about if you recognized them correctly... then the end has a bug picture index. This book is really great. We'll check it out again for sure!
August 1, 2024
A gorgeous book to learn about the habitats in your background and the amazing animals that live there. Each two page spread has a life sized photo of a habitat with creatures to search for (kind of like an I Spy book). The following two pages give information about the creatures as well as photos in the descriptive writing and/or margins. The book also includes multiple pages of a "find that animal" picture index. A great way to encourage inquisitive kids to observe their backyard and to keep a journal with observations and details about their discoveries. A beautiful book!
October 23, 2025
Great photos. Lots of facts. Perfect for the curious child who loves to explore in the yard.
April 19, 2015
This book is about all of the little critters that you can find in your backyard.
I liked this book because it was very informative and had great pictures.
I would take my class on an adventure outside and search for as many little critters as we could find.
I liked this book because it was very informative and had great pictures.
I would take my class on an adventure outside and search for as many little critters as we could find.
September 23, 2014
Check out the animals in your backyard with this up close & personal science book!
May 8, 2016
The diversity and beauty of backyard critters narrated in a fascinating hybrid rebus style text.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews