INSECTARIUM: WELCOME TO THE MUSEUM, by Dave Goulson and Emily Carter, Big Picture Press, May 6, 2025, Hardcover, $37.99 (ages 8-12)
Explore the fascinating world of insects in Insectarium, the tenth installment in the fantastic Welcome to the Museum series from Big Picture Press.
This new offering from the Welcome to the Museum series introduces readers to some of the most essential creatures in the natural world: insects. Making up over 80 percent of living species on Earth, at least one million insect species dwell and thrive in a world right below our feet. In the galleries of Insectarium, readers will meet creatures such as the demoiselle and the gigantic goliath beetle, learning why and how these small creatures have such a huge impact on the world around us. —Synopsis provided by Big Picture Press
If you’re a fan of Big Picture Press’ Welcome to the Museum series (Planetarium, Dinosaurium, Botanicum, Historium, Animalium, Fungarium, etc.), then you already know how amazing they are.
Each book follows the same layout, with the book divided into sections. You begin at the entrance, or introduction. From there you enter seven galleries focusing on topics ranging from ancient insects and true bugs to beetles and bees. Last comes the library, which features an index, curators and ways to learn more.
Each spread generally features a page of informative text that’s informative, accessible and, most importantly, interesting. The text is paired with Emily Carter’s incredibly detailed artwork. These plates, as they’re called, feature anatomically correct insects in eye-popping color. These are the sort of images you wouldn’t hesitate to frame and hang on your wall. Also included is a key to each insect depicted.
This book is made for 8- to 12-year-olds, but readers of any age would enjoy flipping through it. And its large format — roughly 11 inches by 15 inches — makes it a true conversation piece.
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