Inside the ants' nest

Gr 1-3-A step up in complexity from Bullfrog's "Insect World" series, this set presents basic animal information built around the features of each creature's habitat. The mole cricket's burrow, for example, expands to discussion of its physical characteristics, feeding habits, and mating behavior. Words are simple and direct, with an extra space often added between sentences to aid new readers. The layout is also helpful, with main text plus an inset image on the left, a full-page photograph on the right, and arrows that clearly connect captions to the appropriate image. Occasional questions encourage student involvement (e.g., "How do you think a new hive forms?"), with the answer usually provided within the text of the subsequent page. A "Science Lab" feature at the end provides instructions for replicating or writing about the animal's home. Though not terrifically visually exciting, the level of information and the organized presentation are a good fit for the intended audience. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

These books take readers inside creepy crawlies' hives, nests, holes, etc. to introduce the six featured species. There's some unspecific language, but the short bursts of one-sentence paragraphs and well-labeled, zoomed-in color photos will attract beginning readers. A "Science Lab" activity is included. Reading list. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Snug as a Bug: Where Bugs Live titles: Inside the Ants' Nest, Inside the Bees' Hive, Inside the Worm's Hole, Inside the Spider's Web, Inside the Tarantula's Burrow, and Inside the Cricket's Burrow.] (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.