Helpful and Harmful Insects

Martha Lamon is a freelance writer and researcher based in Huntsville,
Ontario.

These four books in the World of Insects series, which are supplemented
with numerous colourful photos and illustrations, compose an attractive
set. With just a few concepts covered on each double-page spread, the
books are manageable for readers in the primary grades. Each book starts
with some basic information about insects.

Helpful and Harmful Insects demonstrates how different insects
contribute to the natural world—for instance, by being prey for larger
insects and animals or by making things like honey or silk. The book
also explores how insects can become a problem for humans and animals by
harming us or our environment.

Insect Bodies focuses on the body parts that distinguish insects from
other creatures and briefly explores how their bodies change during
metamorphosis.

Insect Life Cycles explores the body changes that insects experience in
the course of their lives. Photos of and text about various insects at
different stages and their life cycle contribute to the reader’s
understanding of these concepts.

Finally, Insects That Work Together primarily examines the world of
bees, wasps, ants, and termites and how these creatures survive and
flourish by forming colonies and developing a social order to find food,
build homes, and raise the young.

All four books will make an excellent addition to any home, school, or
community library. Highly recommended.