Behold the Beautiful Dung Beetle

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

"Behold the Beautiful Dung Beetle" is an excellent informational picture book. One of the best elements is that it can be read at two different levels. Some of the text is written in large type. The large type can be read as basic information, but is still cohesive and clear. For older children, or younger children who are interested, the additional smaller type can be read as well. The smaller type provides further information presented by the larger type. Each size type is on a separate page.

The language is rich, and many kids will find the contents hilarious as well as informative. "One animal's waste is the dung beetle's treasure." "For these beetles, dung is a precious pile of food and drink." One can just picture a classroom of kids laughing hysterically, yet wanting to know more.

The illustrations are wonderful, though I am slightly disappointed that there are no photographs at all. Photos are important elements of science books.

The book also includes extra information at the end: - Finding Dung Beetles - Fascinating Facts About Dung Beetles - Glossary (best entry: "poop: see dung") - Selected Bibiography

However, there is no index, and the book contains enough information that I wish one was available.

The fact that amazed me the most was that dung beetles are what the Egyptians called scarabs!

Overall Book Score: very good