Book Review - THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST





Book Review – THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Montgomery, Sy.  2004. THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST. Photographs by Nic Bishop. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0-618-14799-3

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

As a reader would guess from this informational book’s title, here is the world of tarantulas (and other spiders) in the rainforests of French Guiana according to expert arachnologist Sam Marshall.  This is a wonderful collection of facts, stories, and observations by the author, who, along with a photographer, accompanied the scientist on the expedition.   Children will learn about all facets of a tarantula in this engaging book, including why it’s important to protect these mysterious creatures.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is an engaging informational book that is the cumulative effort of three uniquely talented individuals.  Author Sy Montgomery uses quotes from arachnologist Sam Marshall, along with plenty of stories from Sam’s background and his exploits into the wild to bring personality and insight into the world of tarantulas.  This book is loaded with detailed information on spiders, and would be perfect for fourth and fifth graders.   Equal attention is paid to discoveries made in the lab by Sam and his assistants.  It could easily inspire any child to take a fresh look at spiders found in and around their own house and appreciate how amazing they are.

Equally impressive are the photos by Nic Bishop.  Children will have an opportunity for multiple extreme close-ups of tarantulas, not to mention a few other spiders and insects.  Some take up entire pages, with details you almost want to reach out and touch (if you dare)!  Pictures show Sam Marshall in the lab and in the wild, giving kids a taste of what scientific field research looks like.  Also included are fascinating spider statistics, a glossary, a brief bibliography, websites for further research, and an index.  Finally, they touch on what to do if you buy a tarantula, but, after reading this book, a child might decide against the idea.  You might think this was because the book scared them, but that isn’t the reason at all.  It’s because children have a new appreciation of why these arachnids should be kept in the wild.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

Reviewed in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (Starred Review): “An exceptional addition to a fine series that carries the same hallmark quality as its predecessors.  This is a vivid look at an enthusiastic scientist energetically and happily at work…A treat, even for arachnophobes”

Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “Enthusiasm for the subject and respect for both Marshall and his eight-legged subjects come through on every page of the clear, informative, and even occasionally humorous text.  Bishop's full-color photos, which concentrate on detail, not scale, are amazing--Marshall coaxing an elusive tarantula into the open or bringing readers literally face-to-face with a hairy spider.”

A Sibert Honor Book

An ALA Notable Book

5.       CONNECTIONS

More great nature books by the same team:

Montgomery, Sy.  THE SNAKE SCIENTIST.  ISBN 978-0618111190

Montgomery, Sy. KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT. 978-0618494170

Montgomery, Sy. THE QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA. 978-0547248929

The official page for this book can be found on Sy’s site HERE.  http://symontgomery.com/?page_id=220