Poetry Review #8

Florian, Douglas. 1998. Insectlopedia. San Diego. Harcourt, Inc.

Douglas Florian creates a whimsical collection of insect verse and art in Insectlopedia. This collection of twenty-one poems describes the unique aspects of various insects and arachnids often highlighting their most known features. This makes the collection an ideal accompaniment to any science lesson. Florian expertly and concisely provides insight to insect existence. He takes unusual scientific aspects of each example and highlights it through rhyme, rhythm, and imagery. By exaggerating a characteristic he often infuses humor into the piece, therefore creating a memorable association that will reinforce scientific concepts to children.

In most of the poems, Florian uses a lyrical rhyming format skillfully, which will easily appeal to young children. In a few instances, he employs a concrete technique creating a shape with his words. In "The Whirligig Beetles," the poem creates a circle, while in "The Inchworm" the verse makes an arch, both examples imitating the insects' movement. Through his clever wordplay, Florian disseminates significant information about many of these animals. For example, in "The Termites" he explains why these tiny creatures build such tall mounds, "Our nest is/blessed to be/immense. It gives/us all a firm/defense, superior/to any fence./It shields us from our/enemies. It keeps us/cooler, by degrees./From floods and droughts/it guarantees." Shaping the actual poem like a tower, it serves to reinforce the physical shape of an actual termite mound.

Florian also employs powerful imagery to make connections between concepts. In "The Giant Water Bug," he describes how the female of the species glues eggs to the males back, "And on his back they stay./But does he ever get a card/Or gift for Father's Day?" By focusing on this unique characteristic, then pairing it with this humorous image, he is subtly emphasizing what makes the water bug scientifically significant. This technique is also demonstrated in "The Io Moth," where he suggests that the false eyes on the mammoth's body are actually used to repel science teachers. By infusing the fact with humor, Florian ensures that children truly appreciate the distinct qualities of each animal.

The illustrations in the collection are abstract, certainly not acceptable for true scientific observation. However, in many instances they are humorous, which would perhaps stand out in the mind of a child. Florian uses mixed media to create collages for each insect. He attempts to incorporate images that represent each sentiment described in the verse. A picture for each poem compliments the book well without taking away from the words. This colorful representation may not be realistic, but it is an inventive way to underline the uniqueness of each creature.

Florian successfully creates a collection of fun interesting poems about bugs. It is well organized and appropriate for a wide age range of children. By blending interesting facts, witty wordplay and unique art, this book will certainly attract young readers. All of the scientific detail makes it ideal for use with an entomology lesson. The humor and whimsy that permeate the collection will only make it more attractive to readers. It may also encourage further interest in the animals presented.