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.
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 GuideTeacher’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