I would use this book for a 3-5 classroom. I would use it as a read aloud. I would use this story during a lesson on recycling or food chains. The students would analyze the decomposers that the book gives information on. We would discuss how these critters break down food, making it nutrients for plants. Then we would discuss which animals in nature eat the decomposers, and so on. This is a good book to teach students about the importance of composting for our environment. The close up images of these critters would make it engaging for students, seeing as these are all critters they are familiar with. ( )

I like this author and her photography, but somehow this book seems less exciting. ( )

More interesting than you might imagine. Lavies documented bug behavior which I'd never heard of - mites and snails catching rides on the backs of larger critters, much like catching a bus. Her focus is her own compost pile, so the list isn't exhaustive. No mention of black soldier flies or red wigglers. The photography is impressive. ( )