Title: InsectlopediaWritten and Illustrated By: Douglas Florian
ISBN: 0-15-201306-7
Citation: Florian, Douglas. Insecolopedia. San Diego, CA: Harcourt, Inc, 1998.
Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book, Child Magazine Best Book of the Year, Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Review: In Insectlopedia Douglas Florian combines humor and wit to teach about the world of insects. Intricate paintings accompany poems on twenty-one different insects. Adults and children alike will enjoy the informative, yet charming verse that begs to be read aloud. Ranging in poetic styles from shape poems, as in The Inchworm presented in the shape of an inchworm crawling across the page, to couplets to free verse, Florian includes a variety that keeps readers engaged. Through alliteration, rhythm, and the unique placement of words on the page, Florian uses the perfect combination of poetic elements to create an entertaining yet informative look into the natural world.
Potential Use: Insectlopedia would act as the perfect supplement to any elementary or middle school study on insects. Providing factual information in an entertaining manner, Florian's poems stir up interest in insects of all shapes and sizes. Use the poems individually or as a collection to enhance any science curriculum. See the examples below for a taste of Insectlopedia.
The Monarch Butterfly
He is a monarch.
He is a king.
He flies great migrations.
Past nations he wings.
He is a monarch.
He is a prince.
When blackbirds attack him,
From poison they wince.
He is a monarch.
He is a duke.
Swallows that swallow him
Frequently puke.
The Praying Mantis
Upon a twig
I sit and pray
For something big
To wend my way:
A caterpillar,
Moth,
Or Bee –
I swallow them
Religiously.
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