The Tarantula Scientist

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Montgomery, Sy. 2004. The Tarantula Scientist. Photographs by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618147993.

This photo essay informational book follows scientist Sam Marshall. Marshall studies tarantulas and is in search of the Goliath birdeating tarantula in South America. Sy and Bishop follow Marshall, documenting his search in text and photos. 

The Tarantula Scientist presents factual information about tarantulas and is recommended by knowledgeable reviewers. Montogomery and Bishop both have the reputation of providing excellent works of nonfiction for children and neither disappoint with The Tarantula Scientist. The sources are cited in the selected bibliography found in the back of the book.

The organization follows a logical pattern with an introduction of Sam Marshall, and introduction to tarantulas, and French Guiana, South America, where the Goliath birdeating tarantula is found. The book continues with information about spiders, Marshall finding the Goliath birdeating tarantula, and ending with why the earth needs tarantulas. Reference aids are found on every page with photos and text describing the photos. A map of where the Goliath birdeating tarantula is found is included in the front and an index can be found in the back. Subheadings are also found throughout. 

The design of the book is very appealing to children, as well as adults who appreciate tarantulas. The tarantula on the front cover will attract many fans immediately. The vocabulary is appropriate for the intended age group and a glossary is included in the back for those who want or need it. Both Montgomery and Bishop's passion for their work are demonstrated in this book. The Tarantula Scientist encourages critical thinking and further reading. A section is included for what to do if you visit French Guiana, South America and what to do if you purchase a tarantula as a pet.

Children who love spiders, and especially tarantulas, will love this book. Readers will learn many facts about tarantulas and that they really are not that bad. "Tarantulas are understudied and underappreciated," says Marshall.  This informational book will be a great addition to your library or even personal shelf. 

The Tarantula Scientist was a Robert F. Sibert Award Nominee in 2005.

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy these titles by Sy Montgomery: The Tapir Scientist, The Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea, and The Snake Scientist. 

School Library Journal
"Informative, yes, but even more important, this is a vivid look at an enthusiastic scientist energetically and happily at work, both in the field and in the lab, questioning, testing, and making connections. A treat, even for arachnophobes."

Booklist
"Enthusiasm for the subject and respect for both Marshall and his eight-legged subjects come through on every page of the clear, informative, and even occasionally humorous text. Bishop's full-color photos, which concentrates on detail, not scale, are amazing."

Further activities for The Tarantula Scientist can be found at: 

http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/readers_guides/tarantula/

http://symontgomery.com/wp-content/themes/toolbox/downloads/tarantula-activities.pdf

http://www.state.lib.la.us/empowerlibrary/TARANTULA%20SCIENTIST.pdf