Walking Sticks: The World’s Longest Insects

Even More SuperSized!

by Leon Gray

Just how long is the world's longest insect? A walking stick called Chan's megastick is nearly as long as three new pencils placed end to end. Not only that, but these supersized insects are also masters of disguise. They look so much like sticks that some animals can't even tell when one is standing right next to them! These are just some of the surprising facts children will discover as they explore the fascinating world of these extra-long insects. In Walking The World's Longest Insects, eye-popping color photos paired with simple, grade-appropriate text will engage children as they learn about the natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, life cycle, and behavior of this supersized animal. A comparison diagram is also included to show readers the animal in relation to a familiar object.

24 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Leon Gray has written books for children on many subjects, from science and geography to world issues. He lives in Scotland.

Reviews

[K Morlando]

A good class resource for our insect unit!

[Dayna Derichs]

Ace Lacewing, Bug Detective: The Big Swat

Rationale (how it extends or enhances the nonfiction book): Ace brings a humorous, light-hearted feeling to the world of insects! Including a wide variety of bug characters, the reader is drawn into the world of insects with clever idioms and plays on words. It is a great way to hook students on insects and make them want to know more about them, namely walking sticks.

Text Features:
- titles - headings/subheadings - charts - graphs - diagrams - table of contents - index - glossary - special font - captions - comparisons - illustrations/photos - maps

Text Structures:
- description - problem and solution - cause and effect - compare and contrast - question and answer

Strategy Application: With such a variety of insects in Ace’s story, students have a variety of bugs to choose from. After reading Ace’s story, have students list as many of the insect characters as they can. Then, zoom into Twig, the walking stick. Ask them to describe what they learn about Twig from the story. Using the fiction text as a springboard, read Walking sticks: The world’s longest insects. Have students record facts they learn about the camouflaged insect and compare those facts to the clever characteristics used to describe Twig.

Biedrzycki, D. (2010). Ace Lacewing, bug detective: The big swat. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.

[Jen]

Interesting easy non-fiction book on walking sticks. I learned a lot reading this book to my 5 year old and he picked up quite a few things about them, too. The color photos in this book are simply splendid!