Insects: Revised and Updated

This is the first book I remember owning. Children are fasinated by insects and this book lets them see pictures of real insects which they can find them in their yards. I give a copy of this to anyone I know turning 3 or up. I have yet to have anyone NOT enjoy it. It is also a help to those childen (and moms) who fear bugs. It is a great way to teach respect for all creatures. Get this and an empty jar and you can have tons of fun with your child.

Almost the first book on insects that I ever acquired was a hardbound edition of this little guide in the early 1950s. Indeed, I wore out several copies before I graduated to Lutz's "Field Book of Insects" and later more up to date guides. While a bit behind in modern systematics, this guide still has enchanting pictures, mostly the same ones I poured over during my childhood. It was here I first caught the insect "bug" that eventually propelled me into a career in biological sciences. Zim's early "Golden Guide to Insects" was a magic carpet into the fantastic world of insects and I think that it must still be luring young people to at least appreciate the six-legged crowd. I know that the images in this book are still burned into my brain, especially that of the beautiful buckeye butterfly and the various horned scarab and carrion beetles. I highly recommend this book for children as a first insect book, but I sort of wish they had kept the original yellow cover!

This compact book is nicely done and the pictures and commentary an easy reference.

This book is the best first step into the fascinating world of insects even after all those years. (My copy is from 1956). Written by experts but in a "familiarised" style that reach everyone. A lot of meaningful information presented in such a simple and lively way. You'll find it hard to stop reading once you'll get into it. Colorful illustrations are superbs. Many insects are illustrated beside their larva stage and typical environment wich is great. It is surprising how much amazement such a small book can generate. Recommended above any other to introduce children(from 4 to 100 years old and above!)to the world of insects. This book is a tiny jewel!

This title is actually one of the earliest in a very successful list of Golden Guides. It quickly brings the reader up to speed on the subject of insects in general and proceeds to lure him onward with fascinating information about each of the referenced insects in turn. When I arrived in New England, after an early childhood of city dwelling, my forays into woods and field, guidebook in hand, were some of the most educational times of my young life. I still have my original, ragged, copy of "American Insects" and treasure it.