The big idea of this story is to learn about plants that eat other insects. This book is about various different plants and the way they eat different insects. It is very informational for students. I like the language of this books. It is very descriptive and allows students to understand the different types of plants there are that eat insects. The language is simplistic for students to understand. When introducing them to new information, it is best to explain topics in the most easy terms for students. I also like this story because of the pictures in the books. It correlates to the text exactly. This helps students process information as well. When they have a picture to put with the text, at least for visual learners this will help. Lastly, this book is nonfiction. It is engaging and organized. For example, in the story, there is a part where is talks about sundew plants and continues on about how when an insect gets stuck in a few hairs, it traps it with its other hairs. This engages students to continue to read because the information is interesting for students. ( )

The author, Allan Fowler, writes many books in a series called Rookie: Read-About Science. Allan Fowler does a wonderful job telling and teaching about the subject matter at hand in this particular series. He also gathers many eye-popping photographs from several different resources that bring the subject to life.
The book I read is called Plants that Eat Animals. What an intriguing tile for a primary grade level. Who wouldn’t want to peek into this book to find out more? “You probably know many animals that eat plants.” But, “do you know plants that eat animals?” “Some plants grow in soil that has few minerals in it. They get food by trapping small animals.” Where do these plants grow? Can I find them in my back yard? If you live in the wetlands of North and South Carolina you might. This type of animal eating plant is called a Venus flytrap. “The leaf gives off a sweet juice that attracts insects.” Once the insect is in between the leaves of the Venus flytrap, SNAP! The leaves snap close and trap the insect inside. Another plant eating animal is called Sundew. These plants also like to grow in wet areas around the world. This plant lures its prey in by its red hairs. Each hair like structure has sticky dew like liquid on its ends. This allures the insects in. Once the insect is stuck on the sticky hairs, the other hairs fold over and trap the insect. “After the plant breaks down the insect’s body, the hairs open up again. The Sundew is ready for another meal.” This is just two of many different plant eating animals you will read about. Some live in water and catch fish! Others look like a pitcher of water. How do you think they catch their prey?
The Science content of this book is just great. Not only does the author Allan Fowler describe the material in a simple straightforward way, the pictures also help the reader grasp a better understanding of the subject matter. The Rookie-Read-About Science books are a wonderful series of books for all primary grades. I would even suggest this series to an older student who has difficulty reading. The books are packed full of facts. It also has a section at the back of the book called “Words You Know”. As a way for the reader to review what he/she read, the author list key words from the book along with a picture.
This book series would make a fantastic introduction to any topic a class may be studying; rather it is clouds, energy from the sun or animal eating plants. The students will grasp a little knowledge of the subject and be a little more comfortable learning something new. ( )

GRL L,8 copies

GRL L,8 copies