Leaf Litter Critters by Leslie Bulion ill Robert Meganck
Who knew that decaying matter could be intriguing? Leslie Bulion knew. She has created Leaf Litter Critters, a fascinating look at the ins and outs of brown matter, AKA the leaf litter layer. From the cover to the last page, this is one amazing little volume. Here are my top ten reasons to read and share a copy of this book.
10. Cover
Check this out: a blue bug-eyed frog with a humongous tongue, sitting on a pile of garbage with all kinds of crazy creatures twisting, turning, leaping, spying, escaping all around.
Wait! I think the frog has teeth. Really? And what's with all those spinning things? Are they dive-bombing the frog or are they trying to escape that major-long tongue?
This looks like one wild read.
It's a slim book: only 56 pages. It slides easily into the front pouch of your hoodie. It can go wherever you go. Science made simple.
Wait! I think the frog has teeth. Really? And what's with all those spinning things? Are they dive-bombing the frog or are they trying to escape that major-long tongue?
This looks like one wild read.
It's a slim book: only 56 pages. It slides easily into the front pouch of your hoodie. It can go wherever you go. Science made simple.
9. Subject matter
Are you into gross? Are you into slimy? Creepy? Crawly? Are you ready to venture into the dark and dank area known as the "brown food web" ?
Welcome to the world of bacteria, fungi, mites, earthworms, millipedes, beetles and many more critters. Probably best not to read this while eating chocolate-covered gummy worms. Just sayin'.
Welcome to the world of bacteria, fungi, mites, earthworms, millipedes, beetles and many more critters. Probably best not to read this while eating chocolate-covered gummy worms. Just sayin'.
8. Comparison charts & MORE
Just how big are these critters IRL? A comparison graphic gives you a good idea. Using a pin, and even the head of pin, scale renderings put relative sizes in proper perspective. You'll also find a glossary (with illustrations), specific information on how to conduct your own investigations, as well as additional resources you can access online. A selection of books will further your own explorations.
7. Berlese Funnel
You want to see these critters for yourself? You can! Build your own equipment to view these creatures. You're gonna need a one-liter soda bottle, a light bulb, a small piece of mesh, ethyl alcohol to preserve your specimens, and some tweezers to pick up the little critters. You'll find more information on page 53.
Note: The soda bottle should be empty. That means you get to drink a liter of soda. But it’s okay because you're doing this for science. View the berlese video
Note: The soda bottle should be empty. That means you get to drink a liter of soda. But it’s okay because you're doing this for science. View the berlese video
5. Big words
Stop using those lame descriptions such as "those little white things with a ton of legs" and up your game by referring them as symphylan.
No no, my friend, that's not a squishy blob of oozing jelly. That's an amoeba.
Amaze your teachers. Astound your friends.
Bonus: that critter to the right is called a rotifer.
You're sounding smarter already!
No no, my friend, that's not a squishy blob of oozing jelly. That's an amoeba.
Amaze your teachers. Astound your friends.
Bonus: that critter to the right is called a rotifer.
You're sounding smarter already!
6. Way-cool factoids
Every poem is accompanied by a Science Note. If you enjoy collecting factoids, this is the place for you. Did you know that: One hundred million to one billion bacteria might live in the water film of one teaspoon of soil? It has been estimated that four out of every five animals on Earth are nematodes? Mites are no bigger than a grain of sand? Centipedes have between 15 and 191 pairs of legs, one pair for each body segment? You can own the "strange but true" catagory.
4. Illustrations
Robert Meganck, how can you make such disgusting animals, living amid rot and ruin, so fascinating? The colorful comic-style illustrations are terrific. Consider the expressive faces, especially those bugged-out eyes. Look at the springtale with multiple knives, forks, and spoons slurping up nematodes as if they were strands of spaghetti. Check out the mites with ferocious features and sharp teeth for ravaging roundworms. Comics beneath your feet.
3. Poetry
Leslie Bulion can wax poetic on denizens of decay. Seriously, she is the Shakespeare of duff. Yup. That's a real word. She uses cinquain, free verse, shape poetry, triolet, kyrielle, two voices, ballad, and clerihew. She also explains words like stanza, beats, rhythm, and poetic form. Yeah, it sounds like a lot. But you can skip the explanations, AKA Poetry Notes found in the back. You don't have to know how they are constructed to just enjoy them. They are fun to read aloud. Try one of these in science class. Or if you are especially daring, share one in English.
2. FUN!
Why should science be boring? Seriously. Why should learning about your environment be an endless recital of textbook copy?
Guess what. It's not. Remember when you were a little kid and used pick up rocks to discover what was underneath them? Did you ever squat down on the ground to play with pillbugs, watching them roll into a round little ball? Now you can do that for real. It’s called science.
Guess what. It's not. Remember when you were a little kid and used pick up rocks to discover what was underneath them? Did you ever squat down on the ground to play with pillbugs, watching them roll into a round little ball? Now you can do that for real. It’s called science.
1. STEM with a side of STEAM
You want multi-disciplinary? This book takes STEM to the next level. Find basic science information and ideas for further investigations. Get your observation, experimentation, research skills on. But wait... There's more. Use the left side of your brain to design imaginative collages, comics, or infographics for stunning visual displays. Then get your word nerd on by composing poems, raps, song lyrics, and more to share the wonder of the world down under.
Review copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: March 1, 2018 Publisher: Peachtree Publishers ISBN: 978-1561459506
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