Horn Book (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

Simple, intelligent text explains the advantages of size extremes for insects (e.g., not needing much food if you're small, being able to defend yourself well if you're big). Specialized body parts such as large jaws and stalked eyes in addition to effective coloration are well described, then beautifully illustrated with captioned photographs. A worldwide distribution map is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos.

School Library Journal (Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2009)

Gr 2-4 This simply written introduction examines insects from the perspective of size. Employing over a dozen kinds as examples, Markle explains why those that are unusually large, small, or equipped with extraordinary body parts have an edge over predators or competing species. For instance, the weta's huge size (three and a half inches) and the long, sharp spines on its rear legs deter most predators; the minute pirate bug is so small (less than an eighth of an inch) that it has no competitors for the tiny prey it consumes. The text also describes the process of metamorphosis, complete and incomplete, and explains why females are so much bigger than their mates. An amazingly detailed, close-up color photograph of one or more of the insects discussed complements the text on almost every page. Sidebars with additional information and a world map indicating the countries in which the depicted animals were photographed are included. Well organized and clearly written in an engaging style, Markle's book offers some unique insights into the insect world. It is a welcome companion volume to her Spiders: Biggest! Littlest! (Boyds Mills, 2004). Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

ALA Booklist (Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2009)

Excellent photos illustrate this insect book from Markle's Biggest! Littlest! series. After introducing insects that are very little (a tiny pea aphid and her even tinier babies) or very big (a 22-inch giant stick insect), the discussion considers the benefits of being either exceedingly small or large. Other topics include insects with big body parts, small insects that function as parts of big groups, and stages of metamorphosis. The writing is clear and the sentences short, though the organization seems loose and the topic broader than the subtitle implies. An insect's body length is indicated in the back matter and sometimes in the text, but there is little visual indication of size. Most photos show the insects much larger than actual size, and the scale of enlargement will not be apparent to children unfamiliar with a species. Appended are a glossary, brief lists of books and Web sites, and a world map.