Website Review: BugGuide

BUGGUIDE is a website focusing on insects, spiders, and related creatures.

This online community of naturalists shares information about creatures originating in the US and Canada. The website provides identification, images, and information. Users can click on a guide of interest or request help with identifying a specimen. A forum provides opportunities for interaction.

Librarians will find this website a useful tool for science students. Whether identifying creatures or discussing the benefits of niche, online communities, this science-based website is a useful resource.

To visit the website, go to https://bugguide.net.

Book Review: I Used to be Afraid

I USED TO BE AFRAID by Laura Vaccaro Seeger is a powerful picture book exploring common fears of children.

The short book tells the story of a young girl who overcomes her fears. The brightly colored, two-page spreads introduce a fear such as spiders or being alone followed by a statement about overcoming the fear. The die cut illustrations will appeal to young readers.

Librarians will find this to be a popular book in the primary grades. Suggest the books to teachers as a read-aloud to stimulate writing and drawing activities related to emotions and feelings. Pair this book with others about common fears. Also, consider a display featuring books by Laura Vaccaro and a makerspace illustration station.

Learn more about the author/illustration at http://www.studiolvs.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press an imprint of MacMillan. ARC from publisher.