The Beetle Alphabet Book

February 1, 2004
Beetle-mania runs wild in Jerry Pallotta's latest nature ABC, The Beetle Alphabet Book, illus. by David Biedrzycki. From African Goliath to Zinc Metallic Beetles, the book is both informative and humorous, benefiting from Biedrzycki's lush illustrations. The text ranges from educational (e.g., "The male Giraffe Beetle uses his unique neck to roll up leaves") to entertaining ("It is not polite to ask a ladybug her age").

May 1, 2004
Gr 1-4-A fascinating look at beetles from A to Z, offering readers a wide array of intriguing facts with a bit of humor tossed in. Children are encouraged to recognize the differences between beetles and non-beetles. ("I am a spider, not a beetle.-Spiders have eight legs, not six.") The author's enthusiasm for his subject and his fresh, quick-moving style of writing add to the appeal. Biedrzycki's realistic illustrations are bold, colorful, and painstakingly detailed. The artwork is absolutely luminous, giving a beauty to these insects. It will draw readers in, but the text will keep them turning pages. This combination of glorious illustrations and interesting information makes for a fine addition to any science collection.-Corrina Austin, Locke's Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2004
\deflang1033\pard\plain\f3\fs24 PreS-Gr. 2. Pallotta's\plain\f3\fs24" Beetle Alphabet Book \plain\f3\fs24 is an example of what artist Paul Zelinsky has referred to as "the alphabet as an excuse." In these books, aimed at children who are probably well versed in their letters, the A-to-Z format works mostly as an organizing principle for facts. Each page in \plain\f3\fs24" Beetle \plain\f3\fs24 presents a different insect whose name begins with the featured letter. A few sentences, written in sometimes chirpy language, give information about each bug pictured, which appears in a large, striking computer-generated illustration that highlights every pincer and shell spot. With eye-catching visuals, an engaging theme, and basic information, the book will appeal to a wide age range: preschoolers learning their letters with the help of an older reader as well as elementary-age children ready to dive into the science on their own. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2004
Big, boldly colored beetles illustrate this themed alphabet book, which features a well-chosen array of beetles from African goliath to zinc metallic. Refreshingly "un" rhymed, the conversational text gives carefully selected information about habits and habitat, though occasional anthropomorphic or silly comments are jarring, and distinctions between beetles and bees, spiders, and cockroaches pop up unexpectedly.

(Copyright 2004 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)