Insect Identification Book for Kids

[Princess Otter]

Hello everyone!!!


This is my first post, and I was hoping some of you may be able to help...

My little boy is becoming very interested in all things 'wild and wonderful!' and is showing a special interest in insects at the moment (as little boys do!) I'm not too good at ID'ing insects and have yet to find a good book, any ideas?? He's 4, nearly 5..

Also, we don't have a 'bug house' as yet, but we do have a bit of wood on the floor that we look under each day to see who's come to stay at the 'bug hotel' but I was wondering if you know how likely I would be to see a Slow Worm in the garden, I'm looking for a suitable material to encourage one to hide under, but have nothing yet, we're in the North East, are they common in this area??? Thanks all, in advance of your help and advice!!!

[mrs fish]

I usually think Usborne are good books for children

This looks quite good 100 Insects to Spot by Usborne - the Book People


We have this one

Bugs, Insect Usborne Internet Linked Discovery Book NEW on eBay, also, Children's Books, Books, Comics Magazines (end time 19-Jul-08 20:22:18 BST)

Welcome to WAB

[oxycera]

I was going to suggest the Usborne books, casting my mind back to when I worked in a branch library.

[Princess Otter]

Thanks, I'm a bit embarrased I haven't pursued these further!!! I used to be an Usborne rep!!! I do think the books are a tad expensive, but when they turn up on the book people website, they're a bargain, I haven't seen either of these titles, off to look now!!! Thankyou!

[Geoff F]

The Collins Field Guides are good general reference books with clear colour photos of most common species. They may appear a bit advanced at the moment but I suspect he will soon 'grow' into them.

They were on offer at the Book People recently.

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by Princess Otter

Thanks, I'm a bit embarrased I haven't pursued these further!!! I used to be an Usborne rep!!! I do think the books are a tad expensive, but when they turn up on the book people website, they're a bargain, I haven't seen either of these titles, off to look now!!! Thankyou!

I got given an usbourne general wildlife book when i was a child and it might have been expensive but I loved and loved that book, I still have it though its now held together by tape and threads..... Worth very penny and ultimately help set me up for my career!!

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

The Collins Field Guides are good general reference books with clear colour photos of most common species. They may appear a bit advanced at the moment but I suspect he will soon 'grow' into them.

They were on offer at the Book People recently.

It's easy to under-estimate a child's level of learning and ability to pick out detail. Lots will go for wonderous detail...which a field guide has. Just a bit of help with reading and I bet you'd be surprised how quickly they can id insects...quicker than us in a lot of cases as their eyes are good and they have uncluttered brains. I would have loved a 'grown up' field guide at five!

I used to love going through my grandad's Pictorial Knowledge books at that age even though they were monochrome.

[Princess Otter]

Thanks Geoff, I will look at them, I want a 'good' book so this sounds just the ticket, he, at this age, just wants to know their name and a bit about them, but as you rightly say, he will grow into it, and as he gets older, hopefully... he will want to know more.

Gill, how lovely to have such a well-loved book!!! Some of the usborne books are amazingly good, but some I've found, look good but are lacking in info, we quite like the 'spotters' series of usborne books and take them out on trips with us.

Wild-woman, hopefull, if we nurture his interest now, it'll grow into a life-long love!!