Charlesbridge has two awesome picture books coming out tomorrow (November 5, 2019) that celebrate moths. Today let’s take a sneak peak at Not a Bean by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez and illustrated by Laura Gonzalez.
What does a book called Not a Bean have to do with moths? It might be clearer when you find out the bean in question is a Mexican jumping bean. Still not clear? The Mexican jumping bean moves around because there is a tiny larva (caterpillar) inside that eventually emerges as a moth.
Along with gently guiding readers through the life cycle of the moth, Martínez introduces young readers to a smattering a Spanish words including the numbers from one to ten. There is a glossary of Spanish words in the back matter, as well as an author’s note with more details about the caterpillar’s biology.
Laura Gonzalez’s digital illustrations are lush and inviting, with exactly the right amount of playfulness.
Because Not a Bean is multifaceted, it could be used either for a lesson on Spanish language and Mexican culture, or for a science unit on insects (or both!) Plus, who isn’t intrigued by a “bean” that jumps? Investigate a copy today!
For the rest of the review and insect science activity suggestions, visit Growing with Science blog.
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