All About African Matabele Ants

Africa is a continent with some amazing sights. Few can compare to watching an attacking column of Matabele ants. These skilled warriors feast only on termites. They help reduce the numbers of these wood-destroying insects. Learn all about how the Matabele fights and takes care of its wounded inside All About African Matabele Ants. Part of an ongoing series exploring insects around the world, this book is filled with fun facts and full-color photos.

Gr 3-5–Most of the insects in this series are rarely covered in children’s books. Titles feature straightforward descriptions of characteristics and behaviors, accompanied by large ­photographs spanning a page and a half. Unique qualities, like the Matabele ant’s termite predation and the popularity of mopane worms as food for humans, are highlighted. Though there is plenty of intriguing information, the presentations are not always smooth and complete. Readers learn how Madagascar hissing cockroaches hiss, for example, but nothing about how that aids their survival. Some text boxes pack in too many facts. Photographs capture the unusual aspects of each insect fairly well, though not all directly support the textual content. VERDICT Worth considering for comprehensive insect species coverage.--April 1, 2023, School Library Journal