Chirping Crickets

This is the second book that I have read by Melvin Berger. The first one was about spiders. Because I like this book so much, I am going on to order two more: one about frogs, the other about bears. Mr. Berger is a master of this genre. As well he should be as he is the author of more than 100 children's books. He also knows his subject well, since he was elected to membership in the New York Academy of Sciences. He has an intuitive knack of selecting the most salient and vibrant features to reveal to the reader. The less dynamic or inessential he knows how to keep on the periphery. For instance, did you know that when you hear a cricket chirping, it is a male cricket you hear? Most females cannot make sounds. And again (and I find this fascinating), the ears of a cricket are under its front legs. All sorts of wondrous information carry the reader through this book. It begins: "It's late in the summer. The day is nearly over." And it ends: "The sky is very dark now. The loud chirpings of the crickets fill the air. It is the nighttime sound of late summer." And then there is a drawing of a cricket in shadow. The illustrations by Megan Lloyd are quite unique in that they are in darkened tones. There often seems to be a coppery light. Perfect for the child reader. This book should be a treat for children. As an adult, I find it a delight!

bought it for my son. he loves it, very informative. It is fun for the parents to read :)