Bulion, Leslie. Leaf Litter Critters. Ill. by Robert Meganck. Peachtree, 2018. $14.95. 55p. ISBN 978-1-56145-950-6. Ages 8-12. P8Q8
In this small, easy-to-hold book, Bulion introduces the reader to creatures from beetles to bacteria that break down the duff—the decaying plant parts and animal wastes under new fallen leaves on top of the humus layer. Each two-page spread about a different “recycler” in the “brown food web” provides a whimsical poem, colorful drawings, and factual science notes.
Verdict: Highly colored illustrations are delightful, and verbal details are geared to the audience, for example comparing the size of some organisms to a comma or period. Readers can spend hours pouring over the details of the book.
May 2018 review by Nel Ward.
