Leaf Litter Critters - by Leslie Bulion (Hardcover)

About the Book

Nineteen poems in a variety of verse forms with accompanying science notes take readers on a tour through the leaf litter layer and dig into the fascinating facts about the tiny critters who live there. Glossary, hands-on investigations, and resources are included. Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

Take a poetic tour through the duff and get the dirt on the tiny, fascinating critters that live there.

For all the kids who can't resist turning over a rock, science poetry maven Leslie Bulion presents nineteen lively ecological poems in a variety of verse forms about the "brown food web" and the creatures that live there--from bacteria and rove beetles to mushrooms and millipedes, and all of the other busy recyclers in between.

Illustrator Robert Meganck adds to the fun with humorous and vivid, yet scientifically detailed, artwork.

Science notes run throughout for added context, and thorough back matter includes a glossary, poetry notes, hands-on investigations, and other resources for cross-curricular learning.

Review Quotes

★ "The poems are expertly crafted in a variety of forms (identified in the backmatter). The language is lively and the imagery appropriate. With alliteration, internal rhymes, and careful rhythm, these will be a delight to read aloud and learn. . . . Meganck's engaging digital drawings give each creature pop-eyes and attitude. . . . A delightful, memorable introduction to an unsung ecosystem." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"Bulion stuffs her poems with scientific detail and puts even more into accompanying "science notes." Meganck's cartoons strike sillier notes. . . balancing all of the information Bulion provides with hefty doses of fun." --Publishers Weekly

"In this ecological poetry collection, Bulion works her own magic, turning potentially dull life science into zany fun. . . . An amusing way to get the dirt on food chains." --Booklist

"Educational and highly entertaining. . . rich with cross-curricular teaching opportunities. Meganck's humorous, digitally rendered cartoon artwork will have readers giggling as they learn.. . . An excellent find for science fans and teachers alike." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Leslie Bulion has graduate degrees in oceanography and social work. She has written parenting and education articles and is the author of several children's science-related poetry books and novels. When she's not writing, she enjoys exploring nature with her binoculars, hand lens, and camera; collecting specimens to examine under her microscope; or going SCUBA diving and or kayaking. Leslie lives in Connecticut.

Designer and illustrator Robert Meganck, retired professor of illustration, graphic design, digital imaging, and color theory at Virginia Commonwealth University, received a BFA degree from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, and an MFA degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art. He has received over 300 awards for illustration and graphic design work, and been recognized for excellence by such organizations as The Society of Illustrators New York and The Society of Illustrators Los Angeles.