Poetry and insects find themselves in good company in this poetry book with
accompanying paintings. Twenty one insects are spotlighted with a poem and illustration
devoted to each one's nature, reputation or role in the insect world.
The short poems use rhyme, word play, puns, and cleverness to portray
certain characteristics of each insect. A caterpillar might eat so many leaves
she will become a "fatterpillar." The word play is fun, clever and used to enhance
the work as a whole. Ticks, for example, are not gigan-TIC, roman-TIC, artis-TIC,
or magne-TIC. Instead, "Ticks are strictly parasi-TIC." In another good example
of Florian's humor and detail, the praying mantis says he swallows insects (moths, caterpillars, or bees) religiously.
Internal rhyme is also used to great avail, such as "Hocus-Pocus-Locusts."
The words pair the unexpected with the expected in a delightful way. In the same way, the illustrations offer both watercolor and collage. The watercolors are fluid and inventive,
complimenting the text and not overpowering it. Collage is used to give dimension
and artistry to each illustration. Each technique has something distinct and
different to offer to the collection as a whole, whether adding mystery or an additional artistic element.
Younger children would enjoy this book in the company of an adult who
could read the text aloud. Reading this work aloud [and most works of poetry]
is essential to enjoying it to its full capacity. This collection would also
make a nice extension of a learning unit for older children who could enjoy the poetry on their own, particlarly the word
play.
