"Insectlopedia" by Douglas Florian

Bibliography

Florian, Douglas. (1998). Insectlopedia. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN: 0-15-201306-7

Summary

This is a colorful collection of poems centered around various types of insects, some glorified and some not so much.

Review

                I have to start by saying that book has the strangest illustrations I have ever seen in a children’s book. That is, in no way, a negative thing though! They are done in watercolor, which is normal, and have a scrapped-together feel to some of them much like a collage.

                The poems themselves are quite short and seem to be very enjoyable for children to read. They feature extended metaphors, such as the “fatterpillar” checking into a hotel and checking out as Madam Butterfly, and fun associations with rhyming words. Generally, the author seems to like personifying the insects in various ways and linking aspects of human life to the insects’ lives.  They do serve the purpose of teaching children hidden facts about the lives of the creepy-crawlies though. Warning them to steer clear of the black widow and to look very carefully for walkingsticks.

                The vocabulary is a little elevated in places, with words such as “primeval”, “aesthetic” and “religiously” that could trip up an early reader. The messages of the poems, however, does not get lost if the meaning of a few words is confused. The poems remain approachable and understandable.

                The illustrations back up the language of the poems quite literally and it doesn’t seem like the artist was particularly keen on realism. They are fun and very interesting to take in. My favorite was the illustration of the black widow and her many socks, shoes and pants. Somebody definitely has a sense of humor!

Awards

ALSC Notable Children’s Books, 1999