Dickmann, Nancy La Vida de la Abeja

Dickmann, Nancy      La Vida de la Abeja  

Heinemann (Capstone)        2011   24p     21.50     978-1-4329-5270-9        

elem                Watch it grow(Capstone)     VG-BNes

            Spanish language translation of The Life of a Bee.  The volume provides a

visual and factual account of the life cycle of bees for younger readers.

            Outstanding color photos and simple to understand text provide an

excellent overview of the life cycle of bees for younger readers.  This volume

is the Spanish translation of The Life of a Bee, and is also available in a dual

language version.  Each stage of a bee’s life is presented both visually and

factually, with large photos at the top of each page, and the factual text

beneath.  Word ╥balloons╙ are used to point out specific elements of the photos

for increased detail.  A picture glossary at the end is beneficial for both

emerging readers and students learning the Spanish language.  A life cycle chart

at the end summarizes the information presented and makes the cycle more

understandable.  The only flaw in this otherwise excellent volume is the

omission of the term zangano in the picture glossary.  The inclusion of that

definition would do much to enhance the student understanding of the three types

of bees.  In addition, the term is also a slang term with several negative

translations, and, if known by younger readers, would only serve to confuse them. 

An index is also included.     This book is part of the Mira Como Crece (Watch it

Grow) series in Spanish.  The series consists of 11 books at this time.  The

focus of the series is an introduction to plant and animal life cycles.

            Naismith, Pat