Night Life of the Yucca: The Story of a Flower and a Moth

Rating:
Summary: A lovely tale of interdependence
Review: The beautiful black and white illustrations in this book are inspiring to behold. They made me want to go out with my sketch pad and do some serious nature observation -- which is just what I hope to use this book to help my students do. I teach environmental education to 5th and 6th grade students in an outdoor environment, and we have Yuccas. I have tried to show and impart to students the amazing story of the Yucca and the Yucca Moth and their interdependence, but it has never seemed to excite students -- until I read them this story! The same information, but in story form, captivated my students and helped them to appreciate the scientific facts more. The exquisite illustrations added to their inspiration, and my next step is to get the students to go out and draw in the same style to increase their observation skills. Teaching about plant reproduction? Forget the birds and the bees--use this nocturnal tale of moths, flowers and bats instead!