Fabre’s Book of Insects ~ Free eBook

Each year as spring rolls around we tend to turn our attention outdoors and pursue a refreshed interest in the things of nature. Fabre’s Book of Insects will provide not only a course in entomology, but an example of nature study.

Jean-Henri Fabre was a French naturalist with an intense interest in entomology, or the study of insects. Largely self-taught, he spent his time studying the anatomy and behavior of insects. The many books he wrote brought science to the hands of the public.

From my earliest childhood I have felt drawn towards the things of Nature. It would be ridiculous to suppose that this gift, this love of observing plants and insects, was inherited from my ancestors, who were uneducated people of the soil and observed little but their own cows and sheep. Of my four grandparents only one ever opened a book, and even he was very uncertain about his spelling. Nor do I owe anything to a scientific training. Without masters, without guides, often without books, I have gone forward with one aim always before me: to add a few pages to the history of insects.

Fabre’s study of insects occurred in their natural habitat using the tool of observation.

Among his works are included:

The Life of the Fly.
The Life of the Caterpillar.
The Life of the Spider.
The Life of the Grasshopper.
Insect Adventures (written for a younger audience).

Fabre’s Book of Insects is retold by Maud Margaret Key Stawell, a children’s author, from the French translation, and is suitable for students of all ages.

Insects covered include:

Beetles.
Cicadas.
Praying-mantis.
Glow worms.
Wasps.
Grubs.
And more.

In this way—by observing Nature and making experiments—nearly all my lessons have been learnt: all except two, in fact. I have received from others two lessons of a scientific character, and two only, in the whole course of my life: one in anatomy and one in chemistry.

Perfect time to delve into nature with this free gem!

Free eBook

Suggestions

There are 16 chapters. This is enough material for a full year of study with two weeks allotted per chapter. Or you can use the book for one semester of study, covering one chapter each week.
Depending on the age of your child, read this aloud. Then have your student provide a narration.
Create an insect notebook to hold narrations, illustrations, and observations. The book contains amazing illustrations that can be printed. For other chapters see how well your student can sketch the insect referred to.
Approach nature study like Fabre. Get outside and learn more. What does your student observe?