Head and Tails: Insects

Heads and Tails: Insects by John Canty is a clever, interactive picture book that transforms early reading into a playful guessing game. Children are invited to predict which insect is being described using riddles, visual clues, and close-up illustrations of tails or wings. The identity is revealed on the next page, sparking curiosity and satisfaction. This engaging structure not only supports the development of early literacy skills, but also encourages keen observation, logical thinking, and vocabulary growth. With a gentle rhythm and a format that fosters anticipation, it's perfect for read-aloud sessions or independent exploration. Echoing the narrative style of favourites like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, this book is an excellent tool for building attention and animal recognition in young learners.

Educational Benefits:

• Develops inference and prediction skills through text and image clues.
• Reinforces knowledge of insect characteristics and habitats.
• Strengthens vocabulary and descriptive language through repetition and context.
• Promotes active engagement with reading through guessing and discovery.

Classroom Ideas:

• Set up a guessing game where students create their own insect riddles.
• Pair with a science unit on mini-beasts and life cycles.
• Use for teaching descriptive writing by modelling how clues are given.
• Incorporate into a visual art activity where students draw their own œmystery insect.

Information:

• Ages: 2 to 6 years
• Measurements: 29.0 cm (H) x 20.5 cm (W)