Scorpions! Strange and Wonderful.

Pringle, Laurence.  Scorpions! Strange and Wonderful.  Boyd's Mills Press     2013  32p   16.95 978-1-59078-473-0 elem/ms  Nonfiction  E-BN

This beautifully illustrated introduction to scorpions will find several kinds of readers: elementary youngsters who love science, middle-school reluctant readers who love bugs, and even some older students who need to see accurate sizes, etc. for their research.  Although it is clearly written as an introduction (no tables or charts, an easy-to-read, folksy narrative), it could well supplement an older student’s reading list if he or she is doing research on the subject.  The illustrations (by Meryl Henderson) of molting, an ambush, and the mating dance are very good and add immeasurably to the textual information.  Her depictions of body parts and of actual sizes are also excellent.  Pringle’s sense of wonder shines through in his language and in the way the text is interspersed with the pictures.  This one is a winner and should be in every elementary and middle-school collection.             

Summary: This beautifully illustrated introduction to scorpions will find several kinds of readers: elementary youngsters who love science, middle-school reluctant readers who love bugs, and even some older students who need to see accurate sizes, etc.

Scorpions                                             --Carol Kennedy

Owings, Lisa. Deathstalker Scorpion.

Owings, Lisa.  Deathstalker Scorpion      Scholastic Press  2013  24p  $17.26  ISBN 978-0-531-21871-6  elem  series: Nature's Deadliest  VG 

Geared toward elementary students, this beautifully illustrated title will captivate students who love scorpions.  Written in easy-to-read language, this book will appeal to students who want to learn about this amazing arachnid.  Students will be fascinated by reading the real-life survival story of Staff Sergeant Monique Munro-Harris, who was stung by one of these deadly scorpions in Iraq.  The book is filled with fascinating facts about this deadly scorpion, including physical characteristics, diet, how they live and thrive, and information on their venom. 

The book includes beautiful color photographs, interesting fact boxes, a glossary of terms, a list of recommended books and web sites, and an index.  Short, well organized chapters will do well for reluctant readers.    Eighteen titles have been published in this series, focusing on the most deadliest animals.

Scorpions                                                                                           --Charleen Forba-Mayer