*One Long Line by Loree Griffin Burns

One Long Line illustrates the scientific method through the simple observance of one species of caterpillars.

*One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them by Loree Griffin Burns, illustrated by Jamie Green. MIT Kids, 2024, 56 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10

Recommended for: ages 8-12

“This is a story about unusual caterpillars, curious people, and fascinating conversations.” The pine processionary caterpillars display a unique propensity for single-file “marching” whenever they move as a group. The people are two scientists who lived on different continents in different centuries. The conversations are wordless, “Because caterpillars can’t talk, of course.” Nevertheless, they “speak” through their actions, if anyone takes the time to pay attention. Jean-Henri Fabre (d. 1915) and Terrence Fitzgerald (b. 1941). Fabre was a noted naturalist whom Charles Darwin called “The Insect’s Homer”—no creeping thing was below his notice, and he found most of his subjects in his own backyard. Through simple observation and experimentation, with no fancy instruments, he “conversed” with his processionary pals to a degree that fascinated Fitzgerald almost a hundred years later. Together they completed one piece of the vast puzzle that comprises the natural world.

“Science is one long line of learning.” Curiosity about one’s immediate surroundings can lead to great discoveries that change the world. Anyone can participate in the scientific enterprise; all it takes is an inquisitive mind and sharp observation skills. But even if readers have no interest in entomology, they can gain some appreciation of the scientific method and those who pursue it through this engaging case study. And there’s no mention of evolution, just life on earth as we know it now.

Bottom Line: A friendly and relatable example of how science builds knowledge.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Reviews: Three novels that illustrate real-life applications of the “Scientific Method” are Maple’s Theory of Fun, The Science of Breakable Things, and Superstar.
• Reviews: Kids can practice their own observation skills with A Kid’s Guide to Backyard Bugs and The Beetle Book (starred review).

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