The Life and Times of the Ant

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-Micucci's cheerful account emphasizes the prolific insect's impressive history, industry, and sociability. Each busy spread introduces an aspect of the ant's life cycle and its work in tunneling and maintaining the colony. Brief text is accompanied by an informative array of captioned watercolor sketches. Cartoon figures of ants in human guise are liberally sprinkled among the more factual drawings. As in the author's other "life and times" volumes (apples, honeybees, peanuts), the deftly done layout has the appearance of the kind of homely miscellany often appealing to children while offering a well-organized overview of the subject. A further reading list of adult and children's books appears in small print on the verso of the title page where it will hardly be noticed. An absorbing compendium.
Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist
Gr. 1-4. This companion to The Life and Times of the Honeybee (1995) and The Life and Times of the Peanut (1997) offers succinct text and an impressive amount of information presented in an attractive, picture-book format. Micucci discusses the longevity of this species, communication techniques, social structure of the colony, body parts, habitats, variety among ants, and the species' role in recycling. Topics are presented on illustrated double-page spreads comprising a main block of text and numerous, captioned illustrations. Most of the artwork is realistic, although the author anthropomorphizes in a few drawings (an ant wearing a hard hat drives a front loader; the ant queen wears a crown and carries a scepter). Overall, the presentation is informative, stimulating, and attractive, with just enough humor to reel in the intended audience. A good choice for report writers and for browsers. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Review
"A readable, engaging alternative to the many photographic treatments of the subject." -- Review --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review
“The Life and Times of the Ant, slices open an anthill for the reader, spilling out armies of ant facts. Micucci peppers his book with intriguing bits, sure to wow other children on the playground.” The New York Times Book Review

“Micucci moves naturally among various methods of scientific explanation.” Horn Book

“Overall, the presentation is informative, stimulating, and attractive, with just enough humor to reel in the intended audience.” Kirkus Reviews

“Micucci’s cheerful account emphasizes the prolific insect’s impressive history, industry, and sociability. An absorbing compendium.” School Library Journal

“A readable, engaging alternative to the many photographic treatments of the subject.” Kirkus Reviews
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
Not mighty in size, but mighty in resourcefulness and industry, the ant has crawled the earth since prehistoric times. It has dwelt in rainforest tree trunks and acorns of oak trees, beneath logs, and under sidewalks. It has protected forests by capturing insects, cleared weeds away from acacia trees, and by growing gardens has released important nutrients into the soil. Seed lifters, dirt diggers, social beings, ants have the most advanced brain of all insects! So watch where you step, especially on a warm day: a small but mighty ant may be underfoot.


About the Author
Charles Micucci’s other books with Houghton Mifflin include The Life and Times of the Honeybee and The Life and Times of the Peanut. He lives in New York City.