Saturday, January 7, 2012

Kolpin, Molly Barn Spiders


Kolpin, Molly  Barn Spiders 
Capstone Publishers 2011   24p     23.99  978-1-4296-5389-3           
elem                First Facts(Capstone)           VG-BNes         A brief
introduction to barn spiders for younger readers.  This volume combines facts
and stunning photos to provide information on their habitat, food, and life
cycle.   Visually stunning, due to the full-page, high-resolution, detailed
close-up photos, this volume presents good basic information about barn spiders,
aimed at primary level readers.  Form spinning webs, to catching prey to
reproduction, the life cycle of the barn spider is examined.  At the conclusion,
the Amazing, but True fact that barn spiders eat twice their weight in bugs
each day is sure to earn fans for the book.  

Perhaps an editing error on page 6 omitted the description of the cephalothorax,
which is clearly marked on the the photo on the facing page, even though the
text stated Like all spiders, they have two main body parts and eight legs. 
The narrative goes on to only describe the abdomen and then discuss the white
hairs on their legs.  Insects are also referred to as bugs, and students, even
at this level, should learn the proper terminology.  

A glossary, life cycle chart of the barn spider, bibliographical references and
an index are included.  There is also a note about using FactHound, and a link
to provide young readers supplemental information on the web.         This book is part
of the First Facts : Spiders series.  The series consists of 8 books at this
time.  The focus of the series is to explore the world of spiders with up-close
photos and exciting facts.     Naismith, Pat


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