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From ants and beetles, to wasps and water bugs, amazing up-close photographs explore the fascinating world of insects. Readers learn about the body parts and daily activities of common insects. ... Read more

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High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus, is a cuckoo. Common folk-names for this bird in the southern United States are Rain Crow and Storm Crow. These likely refer to the bird's habit of calling on hot days, often presaging thunderstorms. Adults have a long tail, brown above and black-and-white below, and a black curved bill with yellow especially on the lower mandible. The head and upper parts are brown and the underparts are white. There is a yellow ring around the eye. It shows cinnamon on the wings in flight. Juveniles are similar, but the black on the undertail is replaced by gray. ... Read more

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Very informative child's book about the Magicicada
This book was designed for younger readers but educates both the child and the adult about the life cycle of the 17 year cicada (Magicicada). It is nicely illustrated by Arvis L. Stewart for anyone who has an eye for finedetails.If you want to learn the basics about the cicada, then this is amust read for you. For the book explains the hardships of the insect'snymphal life, it enemies, and about its brief existence above the ground. The author also explains some of his scientific notes as the book'sconclusion as well as explaining the "Brood" which the book'sstory evolves. I first read this book at the age of 11 which opened my eyesand ears to summer's little tree musicians.Up until then, I never trulyknew what they were or what those odd shells were that I found clinging tothe side of tree trunks.Had I never found this book in my local library,I would have probably never gave a second thought to nature's bestorchestra. ... Read more

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Introduces the physical characteristics, life cycle, and behavior of this noisy little insect. ... Read more

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Ideal for today's young investigative reader, each A True Book includes lively sidebars, a glossary and index, plus a comprehensive "To Find Out More" section listing books, organizations, and Internet sites. A staple of library collections since the 1950s, the new A True Book series is the definitive nonfiction series for elementary school readers. ... Read more

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Cicadas by Ann O. Squire
I loved the book.It was just what I needed.I had ordered the book for a child and the pictures were good, too Thank you. The author did a great job.
Joan Farrell ... Read more

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Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and habits of cicadas. ... Read more

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Provides an overview of the characteristics and natural habitat of homopterans, a taxinomic order of insects that includes cicadas, aphids, scale insects, and white flies. Also includes advice for finding, catching, and observing this group of insects. ... Read more

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Another Fun and Informative Read in the Animals in Order Series!:-)
This is a fine starter series for kids interested studying different animals.Cicadas and Aphids: What They Have in Common is our most recent adventure with the wonderful and interesting Animals in Order series...what can I say, my kids just can't get enough of these!What I like a great deal about this is that it takes time at the beginning of the book to look at (briefly) what makes an animal a cicadas or aphids, specifically getting into what traits exactly make an insect a cicadas or aphid.The book then goes into the "order" of living things which details the kingdom, phylum and class , order, family and species (with a handy visual chart for reference, great for younger kids, so they can SEE how it works rather than just read it or have it read to them). This is one of the better features of this series and the exact text appears in each book.Next the text goes specifically into where cicadas and aphids fit into animal kingdom, breaking it down (in words and pictures again) to kingdom (animal), phylum (arthropod), class (insect) and order (homopteran).In this section we learn that there are 30 different orders of insects and that homopterans can be divided into several different families and genera which can, in turn, be broken down into thousands of species!

The book also talks a bit about where homopterans of all types and sizes fit into food chain and in habitats including woods & orchards; fields & gardens; your house, and in the desert.Cicadas and Aphids: What They Have in Common goes from there into an overview of fourteen species complete with full page, color photographs for each one, which really serve to bring the information to life.This section includes Family, Common Example, Genus and Species and Size for each homopteran discussed and each animal is given one full page for written description and one full page COLOR photo...excellent for fully engaging the reader!Insects included here are annual cicadas, wooly aphids, treehoppers, leafhoppers, spittlebugs, whiteflies, and lac insects!

Overall, a fantastic way to introduce various types of artiodactyls to your curious young reader!What you get in Cicadas and Aphids: What They Have in Common is an excellent overview of cross section of types of homopterans.Like some of the other books in the series on insects and bugs, Cicadas and Aphids:What They Have In Common includes a section, at the end, on looking for and studying homopterans in your area which is always a welcome addition (hands on is always a good way to bring information in books alive for young readers).As always with this series, I was pleased to find that at the end of the book the author/publisher also included a short recommended reading list and some really great web pages to do more research on...the kids in particular LOVED this! The books in this series would make a wonderful addition to a classroom library or as gifts for your favorite young reader who has a passion for animals; the information here is scientifically presented, accented with wonderful color photos and is both interesting and informative!
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Customer Reviews (1)

Cicadas are cool!
This text provides a glimpse into the world of the cicada.It includes details about the life cycles of these unique insects as well as maps and lists of where periodic cicadas will hatch across the United States well into the future.I especially appreciated the fact that the author addresses the confusion of cicadas with locusts very early in the book.There is even discussion on the anatomical parts of the cicada as well as differentiating between how cicadas make their song versus how a cricket or katydid make sounds.Attention is also given to the importance of conservation of habitat and how this will determine the future survival of these insects.

This is a great little reference book for classroom or home.I learned quite a bit about the cicada from reading this little book and I enjoyed the opportunity to think about these strange insects with spectacularly long lives.At the end of the text, the author gives attention to how cicadas play a part in cultures in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and even to the Native Americans.It is important for children to understand that these insects serve as a delicacy in some places and that the cicadas are well-liked by many people in many different cultures around the world. I recommend this book as an interesting read for both children and adults; it teaches a lot about the wonderful world of the cicada and it is also fun to read!
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