Leaf Litter Critters

by Leslie Bulion
Illustrated by Robert Meganck
Take a poetic tour through the duff and get the dirt on the tiny, fascinating critters that live there. From award-winning author Leslie Bulion and illustrator Robert Meganck.  
  • ISBN: 9781561459506
  • Publication date: 03/01/2018
  • Page Count: 48
  • Size: 5-1/2" x 8-1/4"
  • Age Range: 8-12
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  • Price:
  • ISBN: 9781561459506
  • Publication date: 03/01/2018
  • Page Count: 48
  • Size: 5-1/2" x 8-1/4"
  • Age Range: 8-12
  • Price:
  • ISBN: 9781682631836
  • Publication date: 03/01/2020
  • Page Count: 48
  • Size: 5-1/2" x 8-1/4"
  • Age Range: 8-12
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 8-12
  • Price:
  • ISBN: 9781682632406
  • Publication date: 04/08/2020
  • Page Count: N/A
  • Age Range: 8-12
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 8-12
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Description

Take a poetic tour through the duff and get the dirt on the tiny, fascinating critters that live there. From award-winning author Leslie Bulion and illustrator Robert Meganck.

★ “A delightful, memorable introduction to an unsung ecosystem.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“In this ecological poetry collection, Bulion works her own magic, turning potentially dull life science into zany fun…. An amusing way to get the dirt on food chains.” —Booklist

For all the kids who can’t resist turning over a rock, science poetry maven Leslie Bulion presents nineteen lively ecological poems in a variety of verse forms about the “brown food web” and the creatures that live there—from bacteria and rove beetles to mushrooms and millipedes, and all of the other busy recyclers in between. Illustrator Robert Meganck adds to the fun with humorous and vivid, yet scientifically detailed, artwork.

Science notes run throughout for added context, and thorough back matter includes a glossary, poetry notes, hands-on investigations, and other resources for cross-curricular learning.

Author/Illustrator

Leslie Bulion

Author

Leslie Bulion has graduate degrees in oceanography and social work. She has written parenting and education articles and is the author of several children’s books.

Robert Meganck

Illustrator

Robert Meganck is professor emeritus of Communication Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. He earned a BFA from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, and a MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He has received more than 300 regional, national, and international awards for his illustration and graphic design work.

Reviews

“The poems are expertly crafted in a variety of forms (identified in the backmatter). The language is lively and the imagery appropriate. With alliteration, internal rhymes, and careful rhythm, these will be a delight to read aloud and learn…. Meganck’s engaging digital drawings give each creature pop-eyes and attitude…. A delightful, memorable introduction to an unsung ecosystem.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Bulion stuffs her poems with scientific detail and puts even more into accompanying “science notes.” Meganck’s cartoons strike sillier notes…balancing all of the information Bulion provides with hefty doses of fun.” ―Publishers Weekly

“In this ecological poetry collection, Bulion works her own magic, turning potentially dull life science into zany fun…. An amusing way to get the dirt on food chains.” ―Booklist

“Educational and highly entertaining…rich with cross-curricular teaching opportunities. Meganck’s humorous, digitally rendered cartoon artwork will have readers giggling as they learn.… An excellent find for science fans and teachers alike.” ―School Library Journal

“A fascinating and funny introduction to the duff or brown food web… Terrific back matter… Bright comic illustrations by Robert Meganck make these critters very appealing while adding to reader’s understanding and make this small book truly enticing.  Fabulous fun, this is a real winner both for the classroom and for young scientists learning on their own.” ―Booklist Reader

Awards

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor ―California Reading Association, 2018

Moonbeam Children’s Book Award (Silver, Children’s Poetry) ―Independent Publisher, 2018

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Non-fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2019-2020

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Junior High) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

Resources

Resources: Other, Teacher's Guide

Teacher’s Guide
Author Q&A
Illustrator Q&A

More Details

F&P: Y, Gr 6, Genre I
Lexile: 1280L
Themes: Bacteria, Ecosystems, Insects, Poetry Forms, Worms
BISAC 1: JNF042010 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Poetry / Humorous
BISAC 2: JNF051050 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Biology
BISAC 3: JNF051100 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Environmental Science & Ecosystems