For STEM Friday, we have a picture book biography, Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects
by Matthew Clark Smith and illustrated by Giuliano Ferri, which delves deeply into the life of one of the first naturalists who explored the insect world with a scientific eye, and who at the same time wrote with the goal of sharing his insights not only with colleagues, but also with essays written for regular people (see a literary review at our sister blog, Wrapped in Foil).
Fabre’s method of studying live insects, particularly in their natural habitats, allowed him to make many new discoveries. His insights included finding out that female great peacock moths produce a scent (pheromone) to attract male moths.
![Saturnia (Saturnia) pyri ([Denis & SchiffermŸller], 1775). The Great Peacock Moth. Wood engraving dated 1852. Original hand coloring.Page size: 26 x 20.2 cm ( 10.2 x 7.9 "). Saturnia pyri, the Giant Peacock Moth, is a Saturniid moth which is native to Europe. It is the largest European Moth and is also called as the Giant Emperor Moth or the Viennese Emperor.](https://i0.wp.com/blog.growingwithscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Great_Peacock_Moth.jpg?resize=597%2C746&ssl=1)
Saturnia (Saturnia) pyri ([Denis & SchiffermŸller], 1775). The Great Peacock Moth. Wood engraving dated 1852. Original hand coloring.Page size: 26 x 20.2 cm ( 10.2 x 7.9 “). Saturnia pyri, the Giant Peacock Moth, is a Saturniid moth which is native to Europe. It is the largest European Moth and is also called as the Giant Emperor Moth or the Viennese Emperor. Public Domain image from Wikimedia.
Jean Henri Fabre also studied the behavior of processionary caterpillars,
dung beetles , cicadas, praying mantids, bees and wasps, and many other creatures.
Although this book is a biography of a scientist, budding entomologists are likely to find the details of the “Small Wonders” he studied intriguing as well.
Age Range: 6 – 9 years
Publisher: Two Lions (May 12, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1477826327
ISBN-13: 978-1477826324
To accompany Small Wonders, you might want to try this collection of Fabre’s actual works retold by Mrs. Rodolph Stawell from a translation by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos. It is for older children or adults, but parts could be read to younger children.
Fabre’s Book of Insects
by Jean Henri Fabre
Frankly, the text is somewhat convoluted and flowery in an old-fashioned way, but due to the fact that his close examination of the behavior of insects was so innovative, it has stood the test of time. He also makes many references to mythology and folklore.
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Dover Publications (February 6, 1998)
ISBN-10: 0486401529
ISBN-13: 978-0486401522
Finally, if you want to see the insects that Fabre writes about, you might want to try the movie Microcosmos
with Kristin Scott Thomas (Actor), Jacques Perrin (Actor, Producer), Claude Nuridsany (Director, Writer), Marie Pérennou (Director, Writer). Although the cover below of the mantis with sunglasses might give you the impression it is a cartoon, but nothing could be further from the truth. This is serious nature cinematography at its finest!
Another reason it is appropriate is because it is set in France, where Fabre lived, and features some of the insects he studied, like the processionary caterpillar.
Check out the French version of the movie trailer (it is also available in English):
Sorry, in a bit of a rush today. Please leave any questions you might have in the comments.
Disclosure: Small Wonders was provided by the publisher for review. The other book and movie are my personal copies. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.
Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.
We have an obvious affinity for the Order Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps) around here, starting with this paper wasp hunting for caterpillars.
Is it a bee, wasp, or fly? It’s a cuckoo bee!
With all the interest in pollinators this year, a photograph of a honey bee is a must.
We also captured some tiny pollinators at work.
Can you see the packed pollen basket on its hind leg? It is amazing this little bee can even lift off to fly.
To end the Hymenoptera series, here is a honeypot ant replete, or special worker that stores food for the colony.
Not all the insects we looked at were flashy. This tiny katydid nymph did its best to blend in.
Speaking of blending in, do you see the crab spider in this photograph?
Here’s a close-up to help you out.
What collection of bug photographs would be complete without a pretty butterfly?
by Camilla de la Bedoyere and illustrated by Mel Howells is a cute picture book that uses a question-and-answer format with a twist.
![Saturnia (Saturnia) pyri ([Denis & SchiffermŸller], 1775). The Great Peacock Moth. Wood engraving dated 1852. Original hand coloring.Page size: 26 x 20.2 cm ( 10.2 x 7.9 "). Saturnia pyri, the Giant Peacock Moth, is a Saturniid moth which is native to Europe. It is the largest European Moth and is also called as the Giant Emperor Moth or the Viennese Emperor.](https://i0.wp.com/blog.growingwithscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Great_Peacock_Moth.jpg?ssl=1)
