Bibliography:
Montgomery,
Sy. 2004. THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST. Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618147993
Plot
Summary:
The
Tarantula Scientist
is a treasure-trove of realistic pictures and detailed information about tarantulas. Readers will learn what parts of our world
each spider can be found in. The jumping
spider with its big black eyes will have viewers jumping. Young scientists will learn about scientific
classifications like arachnids and animals, including tarantulas, that
belong to it. Close-up photos will make
the scientists feel like they have a magnifying glass as they identify the spiders
various anatomy parts and their functions.
Readers will see what is on the menu for tarantulas, but also what other
animals might have them on their menu, educating readers about predator and
prey.
Critical
Analysis:
Viewers
might not want to pick up this creepy book about tarantulas for the extremely
vivid photographs. Do not let the
pictures scare you away from this wonderful educational tool. The author’s love for these animals is apparent
by many of the pictures where he is seen in the forest looking for and
examining these creatures.
The
author provided great amounts of detail accurately and discussed this subject
as an expert in this field. Reference
aids are included and help guide the reader to learning more about the subject
matter. Pictures, taken by Nic Bishop,
help the reader gain a better understanding.
Subheadings, maps, and an index are all sections of the book to help
enhance the learning.
The
design would be hard to describe as attractive and inviting with the spiders at
every page turn. Concerning being “readable”,
I would say that this book might overwhelm some readers, but they will need to
be reminded that some books, such as informational books like these, are not designed
to be read from cover-to-cover. The book definitely
encourages curiosity and wonder on the part of the reader.
Teachers
can use the resources listed in the back in connection with the book.
Reviews:
·
2004
School Library Journal, Best Books of the Year
·
2005
Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
·
2005
Texas Bluebonnet Award
·
Kirkus: “Montgomery has a gift for scene-setting and
deftly weaves clear explanations into the main text. Bishop’s phenomenal photos show spiders
mating, shedding their skin, even leaping through the air. It’s enough to make Miss. Muffet fall in love.”
·
The Bulletin: “This book would liven up a science
curriculum … and it might also convince young readers to go beyond the
elemental pleasures of “Ew, gross’ to the more sophisticated appreciation of “Wow,
cool.”
Connections: Age Level:
10 and up
·
Before
Reading:
o
Introduce
vocabulary words to support the scientific research and discussion topics
o
Teach
students how to use tools that are found within text.
§ Index;
Subheadings; Maps
·
Arachnids Unit:
o
Characteristics
o
Identification
o
Animals
in this classification
o
Habitat
o
Food/hunt/prey
·
Download the
activity guide
designed to be used in the classroom under “Teacher Resources”
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