Description
Book SynopsisAn engaging, beautifully illustrated introduction to these remarkable insects. Drawing on her experiences as a natural history instructor, dragonfly monitor, cancer survivor, and grandmother, Crosby tells the stories of dragonflies: their roles in poetry and art, their sex life and their evolution from dark-water dwellers to denizens of the air.
Trade ReviewChasing Dragonflies is an engaging introduction to the Lilliputian world of these ancient creatures. Cindy Crosby reverently weaves their natural history into our modern lives, providing the reader with a better sense of self and place. Her writing is as delightful, and as fresh, as a teneral damselfly.” - Marla Garrison, McHenry County College
”Anyone who loves nature should have this delightful and educational book, written by a naturalist who has learned so much and has so much to teach the rest of us. After reading this book, you may just agree that dragonflies are the most interesting creatures on Planet Earth.” - Dennis Paulson, Slater Museum of Natural History
”This delightful book, built with personal, passionate prose, is an inspiration. Crosby's dragonfly wanderings and observations make me want to get up and get out there. A delightful and informative read.” - Kurt Mead, author of
Dragonflies of the North WoodsTable of Contents
- Prologue
- 1.Why Chase Dragonflies? All About Odonates
- 2. What’s a Dragonfly, Anyway? An Anatomy Lesson
- 3. Embracing Change: Transformation
- 4. The Bachelor: Romance Along the Waterways
- 5. They Go Where? The Mysteries of Migration
- 6. So Many Dragonflies: So Little Time
- 7. Yin and Yang: Joy and Terror in the Wetlands
- 8. Dragonflies as Creative Muse: Insect-Inspired Art
- 9. A Fragile Flyer: The Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly
- 10. The Girl With the Dragon(fly) Tattoo: More than Insects
- 11. Dragonfly Monitoring: The Thrill of the Chase
- 12. The Dragonfly Chasers: Much Ado About Odes
- 13. Experiencing Dragonfly Magic for Yourself: Putting Your Knowledge to Work
- 14. Fostering the Dragonfly “Bug” in Kids: Sharing the Love
- 15. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? The Dragonfly-Friendly Garden
- 16. Ode Addiction: A Cautionary Tale
- 17. Chasing Dragonflies: On Paying Attention
- Epilogue
- Resources
- For Further Discover
- Acknowledgments
