Florian Poetry

Insectlopedia

Poems and Paintings By: Douglas Florian

Florian, Douglas. 1998. Insectlopedia. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace & Company.

ISBN: 0-15-201306-7

Insectlopedia by Douglas Florian is an informative book of poetry. The book consist of 21 poems. Each poem pertains to a particular insect. Each species of insect gets their own poem about them. Each poem is full of facts for that insect. The age group for the book of poems is aimed toward elementary. I would say that children kindergarten-5th grade would enjoy these poems. Each poem as certain beat or rhythm. Rhyming words are also used throughout each poem.

Insects is a very interesting topic for children. Children love insects and learning about them. Every child has had experiences with insects wether they liked it or not. Insectlopedia offers a gateway for children to better understand these creatures through poetry. The poems are all very informative and can be used in the classroom for all types of activities.

All the poems are very consistent in quality. Every poem supports the purpose of the book which is to inform children about insects. There are no specific feelings I thought that the poems brought about. However, after reading the poems I did feel more informed about insects. Florian also provides vivid slightly abstract paintings for each poem that he has written. After reading the book I came to realization of how much work went into putting the book together. 21 poems and 21 paintings, one for each insect in the book. There was also a table of contents located within the book.

Florian offers an different approach for students to learn about insects through poetry. Instead of just pulling and using one poem from the book. I feel the book needs to be used as a whole. Many of the poems are pack full of facts and new knowledge for students to learn.

The Caterpillar

She eats eight leaves at least

To fill her,

Which leaves her like a

Fatterpillar,

Then rents a room inside

A pupa,

And checks out: Madame Butterfly ---

How super!

Activity: This would be a great poem when teaching students about the life cycle. While teaching a science lesson on the life cycle of a caterpillar, the teacher can share this poem. After discussing the poem, the teacher then passes out paper plates one per student. The students then draw and label the life cycle on their paper plates.