The Boy Who Loved Ants: Edward O.Wilson
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A former teacher, I enjoy finding ways to interest children in nature. At times I have cared for various mini-pets, including spiders, ants, black beetles, a katydid, and lots of worms. I am grateful that Edward O. Wilson has helped many appreciate the importance of what he calls the “little creatures that run the world.” My print publications include nature articles and children’s books on biological control, bees, and electric eels.
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Reviews
Review by:
Dr Bob Rich
on May 31, 2013 :
The Boy Who Loved Ants: Edward O. Wilson is a brilliant little book. It will inspire any thoughtful elementary school child into caring for the small creatures of nature. Using simple, clear language appropriate to the age group, and interesting pictures, it carries several important ecological lessons, teaching without preaching.
Another message is resilience. Professor Wilson lost most of the sight of one eye as a boy. Even before that, he was smaller than others, shy and withdrawn. And yet, he became one of the leading biologists of the planet, honored by governments, and although it’s not stated in this book, befriended by other famous environmentalists like David Suzuki.
It is not necessary for all children to collect black widow spiders and snakes. It is necessary for as many as possible to look on nature as something that makes life possible for all of us, as a thing of beauty that deserves protection from the ravages of humankind in its own right. A particular species, a particular place may or may not be "useful." That is irrelevant. It is fascinating, and beautiful in its own way, and what is useful is the complex totality.
This is the gentle message of this book. Buy it for your child.
(reviewed the day of purchase)
Review by:
Joyce Shelleman, Ph.D.
on March 12, 2012 :
I loved this book. It is a delight and I believe that almost any child will like it. The graphics are exceptional and the prose is clear and parsimonious. Van Dyke tells the story of Edward Wilson in a compelling and straightforward way. It is a story with many lessons about commitment to something larger than oneself, imagination, hard work, and our connection with nature. I truly believe that parents and teachers will love it as much as I did - for the platform it offers to engage young minds in an inspiring way AND for the sheer pleasure of the story itself.
(reviewed 9 days after purchase)
Review by:
Scott Johnson
on March 02, 2012 :
A very good read! Through her story, Sara Van Dyke has done a great job transporting us into the ant world, showing us the benefits of ants and the importance of conservation. Teachers, parents and children will find her story informative and inspiring. Edward Wilson's life serves as a great example for those budding scientists or naturalists.
(reviewed the day of purchase)
Review by:
Joyce Churchill
on March 01, 2012 :
(no rating)
I really enjoyed Sara van Dyck's story of Edward O. Wilson and his life-long fascination and study of ants. Any youngster in his "bug phase" will want to learn about fire ants, army ants, leafcutter ants, and the many species that march across the pages of this well-written look into the career of one of our premier researchers in biodiversity.
Joyce Churchill, Retired Textbook Editor
(reviewed the day of purchase)