Backyard Hunter: The Praying Mantis

by Bianca Lavies

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and life cycle of the praying mantis

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Katerina Spoonhour]

Backyard Hunter: The Praying Mantis is about the life cycle of praying mantis as well as several fun facts including all the illustrations being genuine photographs from the author. The details about the male and female mantis was interesting especially since it was more fact based with lots of photos to show the cycles. It also went all the way to the end of the mantis life were it explained that the eggs of the female would continue the life cycle.
The facts are in large paragraphs and may be designed for older grades but the narration throughout the story is really good. It made me feel like I was in the library with a sub teacher and I found this in the nonfiction section. It also reminds me of one that you read in determination to catch a praying mantis with your friend who decided to go on a scavenger hunt.
For bigger grades or research when trying to talk about praying mantis' in science this book could be an excellent reference when planning out lessons. However since the paragraphs a little long, It may be useful in a private library where kids could explore the pictures and ask questions about hat certain words could mean. The detailed life of the mantis is highlighted throughout the book really well so that it could solve even the most random question.

[Leeanna Wolf]

This book was about praying mantises. It was a non-fiction book and it was from the minute they hatched from their eggs to the minute the female laid more eggs for the next generation of praying mantises.

I liked it. It was really educational and I learned a lot more about praying mantises. I do not think I will have this book in my classroom though.