Silkworms

In the 15-30 minutes it takes to read "Silkworms," the reader has a good working knowledge of the life cycle of these silk-making critters. On page one, the introduction, the reader is hooked. In fact, the intro serves as a concise summary. Can I just read the introduction then? Absolutely not. The details are in the book. Writer Sylvia A. Johnson and photographer Isao Kishida collaborated to produce a fascinating book for students, probably ages 9-13. Why this arbitrary age? Johnson discusses the mating cycle in fairly detailed anatomical terms. Parent, teacher, if this is a problem, you now know it. The book explains that silkworms are totally at the mercy of humans because they have been farm-raised for centuries. As silkworms go through their various stages, farmers handpick any deformities and discard them. Only perfection is allowed. The final stage before becoming moths is the death knell: pupae are destroyed, leaving only the much desired silk cocoons which are used in making silk. A few moths are left to hatch in order to mate and begin the process anew. Males dies shortly after mating. This story, well-written and expertly photographed, is an example of a perfect pairing of text and photo to present an informational book for students. If the reader wonders why there is no explanation for making silk into fabric, that is not the focus of this book. The focus is the life cycle of silkworms. Highly recommended for school libraries and nature lovers.

I bought this book to raise silkworms for my bearded dragon. I had no problems raising silkworms and in fact had way too many since I just had one bearded dragon!! Silkworms are amazing little creatures and I had fun raising them. I no longer do since my dragon is full grown and doesn't need the that much protein.

This book is the best book on teaching both young children and adults about silkworms. The photographs are wonderful!I use this book the most in school. The kids tend to pick this book up the most when I have the display of silkworms in the room.

I'm a Japanese and my hobby is making flowers from silk cocoon. Even though I deal many cocoons, it was my first time to see silkworms. Even in Japan, there is few opportunity to see real silkworms... This book tells me a lot about silkworms and silk farmers in Japan.

Amazing photos of silkworms and moths. Text explains the entire cycle from egg to silk, and shows modern silk farming in Japan. Highly recommended!