The Tarantula Scientist by Sy Montgomery

Bibliography:

Montgomery, Sy. 2004. The Tarantula Scientist. Ill. Bishop, Nic. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. 9780618147991

Book Summary:

Did you know spiders smell with their feet? Did you know there are 30 species of tarantulas in the United States and 850 known species recorded all over the world? That is a lot of spiders! Author Sy Montgomery and photographer Nic Bishop take us on an educational journey through French Guiana as they follow scientist Sam Marshall on his quest to learn more about tarantulas.

Critical Analysis:

This book is 80 pages of exciting tarantula and spider related facts that reads like an action packed novel. The very style of writing aims to lure the readers in making it difficult for them to put the book down; children will want to continue reading. The vocabulary used in this informational book is simple enough for young readers, but interesting enough for older readers as well.

The photographs in this book are also worth noting as every image is clear, well focused and sharp. Each colorful photograph provides a caption which identifies the type of spider in the photo. Photographer Nic Bishop does a fantastic job of capturing the life of a spider in its natural habitat. 

The back of the book provides more information for curious readers. In the last few pages a reader can enjoy reading a list of spider statistics or learning "spider speak" (a glossary). The author has provided readers with an index and a bibliography in addition to a section which discusses how the book was researched. As if all of this were not enough, Montgomery provides tarantula and spider related websites, information on visiting French Guiana, and facts for future tarantula pet owners.

This book is recommended for children ages 10 and up.

Review Excerpt(s):

• Robert F. Sibert Honor Book (2005)
• Texas Bluebonnet Award (2005)
• Kirkus Reviews – given a blue star for remarkable merit – (2004) “crisp, detailed photographs and clear, lively prose.”
• Booklist (2004) “fascinating slice of the natural world.”

Connections:

• Pair this title with other great favorites such as:
         The Beetle Book by Steve Jenkins
         Animals Nobody Loves by Seymour Simon
         Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? by Jean Fritz and Trina Schart Hyman
• Provide a tarantula coloring sheet to the child(ren) and encourage them to draw their favorite tarantula from Sy Montgomery's book or create their own.
• Using an egg carton, pipe cleaners and googly eyes create an egg carton spider activity for the child(ren).