Cicadas!: Strange and Wonderful
Strange And Wonderful Series
What’s inside...
This latest installment in the popular Strange and Wonderful series introduces readers to spider species from all over the world—from the common garden spider to the elusive black widow. Pringle’s comprehensive, lively, and informative text includes an overview of the many thousands of species in the world and describes spiders’ habitats, physiology, mating habits, web-making, what and how they eat, and how they protect themselves from predators. It also explores why people are so frightened by spiders and shows that those fears are largely unfounded. Accompanied by Meryl Henderson’s beautiful and illuminating paintings, this book perfectly hits the mark for budding entomologists. Includes a glossary, index, and further resources. Definitely the best cicada book for kids. Adults will appreciate it as well, as it is well written, factually accurate, and beautifully illustrated. —Cicadamania.com Discover why cicadas are all the buzz in the most complete, comprehensive book for kids about these noisy but harmless insects. Every year, annual cicadas emerge and pierce the air with their buzzing calls. Also every year, at least one brood of 13 or 17 year cicadas emerges in some part of the eastern or central United States. In Spring 2021, a group of 17 year periodical cicadas called Brood X will make their appearance in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Author Laurence Pringle and illustrator Meryl Henderson have created the story of this fascinating and often misunderstood insect, one that deserves to be protected.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life is like for a cicada underground for many years?
Why do cicadas sing, and how do you feel about the sounds they make?
Cicadas come out all at once after several years; why do you think they do that?
What did you find most surprising about the life cycle of cicadas?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that encourage your child to think critically about the life cycle and behaviors of cicadas.
Relate the cicadas' emergence to concepts of patience and transformation, which can help in discussing personal growth and development.
Listen actively to your child’s thoughts and feelings about the book, showing interest in their ideas and encouraging them to explore further.
Discuss the illustrations in the book and ask what they notice about the depiction of cicadas and their environment. This can enhance their observation skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: The book details the long developmental cycle of cicadas, showing how they spend many years underground before emerging.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of patience and the rewards of persistent efforts in their own tasks, such as learning a new skill or working on a long-term project.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: By exploring the life cycle of cicadas, the book encourages an appreciation and curiosity for the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore, protect, and respect their natural environment, fostering responsible behavior towards wildlife and nature.
Example Lesson: The Wonders of Science
Explanation: The book provides scientific insights into the unique biological aspects of cicadas, such as their sounds and growth processes.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this curiosity-driven approach to their school subjects, particularly in science, enhancing engagement and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Understanding Life Cycles
Explanation: The depiction of the cicada's life cycle introduces children to concepts of growth, change, and development in nature.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children understand other life cycles around them, offering a foundational concept in biology and ecology.
Example Lesson: Embracing the Unusual
Explanation: Cicadas are presented in a positive light, despite their unusual appearance and rare occurrence, promoting open-mindedness.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be more accepting and curious about things that are different, promoting inclusivity and combatting prejudices.