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Insects and Spiders

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Insects and Spiders
by Noel Tait
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008. 64 pages. Nonfiction.

Did you know that bees and silkworms are the only insects that have been domesticated by humans, or that, when threatened, a bombardier beetle can release with deadly accuracy a spray of boiling hot, noxious fluid and gas from its abdomen? Have you ever heard of a bird dung spider, that mimics its namesake and has a bad smell which helps camouflage it from predators? Insects and Spiders, by Noel Tait, is full of interesting tidbits of information accompanied by colorful, large, and lifelike illustrations. (Warning: If you are an arachniphobe like me, getting through the spider section will be difficult!) Tate doesn't try to cover everything, but instead presents clear and concise facts in an accessible and appealing format for all ages.
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