Nice first introduction to quite a variety of insects and other bugs. Covers insect names, characteristics, activities, and fun facts. ( )

The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, and Thing 2 teach their friends about insects. The text rhymes and has rhythm. The illustrations include labels for the insects themselves and their body segments. The book includes a glossary of terms, suggestions for further reading, and an index. ( )

I mainly liked this book because it was overall intriguing even for someone who is not interested in bugs or learning about insects. One reason I liked this book is because of the author’s writing. The rhyming of words makes for a story that flows and engages the reader. Another reason I enjoyed this book is due to its language, which is very descriptive. The author includes language that is informative for young readers, in that he labels the body parts of different insects and describes their use. For example, a cricket is shown on one page, with the body parts: head, thorax and abdomen clearly labeled and described. Overall this book includes a significant amount of information while not being overwhelming for an elementary reader. The big idea of this book is to inform readers about several different types of insects and what makes them unique. ( )

Summary of Book:
The Cat in the Hat takes his friends Sally and Nick on an insect adventure. On their adventure they discover all different types of insects and learn interesting facts about the insects they encounter. The rhyme and rhythm of the book make it a fun learning adventure.

Personal Reaction:
My kids really enjoy The Cat in the Hat Knows a lot About That book series and I really enjoy reading them aloud. They are written in a fun,rhythmic way that you would expect from a Cat in the Hat book but are packed with a ton of great information. I always seem to learn some things myself! I had no idea only the female mosquito stings when it bites!

Extension Ideas:
1. Print a picture of an insect. Have the students color the insect and label the different parts of the insect (head, thorax, abdomen).
2. Discuss the characteristics of an insect. Give the students pictures of different types of insects and spiders. Have the students determine if the object in the picture is an insect.

Find out all you ever wanted to know about insects when the Cat and company get an up-close view of life as a bug. Kids will learn how insects — from the spittlebug to the honeybee to the moth — see, smell, communicate, and pollinate, as well as sometimes pester and amaze and generally make life better for us humans. ( )