by Paul Meisel (Author)
Hilarious and scientifically accurate, this Nature Diary gives readers a bug's-eye-view of the life cycle of a stinkbug.
Told in diary form, My Stinky Summer by S. Bug introduces readers to the stinkbug's life cycle and survival habits.
From the day he is born, S. Bug hears the same refrain--Ew! Stinkbug! The stinkbug's odor is powerful protection against predators. Perhaps too powerful. Readers will also learn about the challenges that arise when an ecosystem is pushed off-balance.
Children will love poring over the bright, highly detailed illustrations and pondering ideas about ecosystems and nature.
The book includes a glossary and further information in the back of the book. Both art and text have been vetted for accuracy by an expert.
A Junior Library Guild Selection!
Don't miss the other hilarious entries in The Nature Diary Series!
Each one explores the life cycle of an animal in dated journal entries, showing young readers how they grow and change through the seasons-- and offering a few laughs, too! Brightly illustrated and vetted by experts, Paul Meisel's books are a perfect introduction to your backyard neighbors.
My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis
CCBC Best-of-the-Year List, AAAS /Subaru Finalist, Leaping Lizards Top 10 Read-alouds, SCIENCE Best Books for Curious Kids, Virginia Readers' Choices
My Happy Year by E. Bluebird
A Junior Library Guild Selection
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Meisel's third Nature Diary showcases the stink bug in a story that spans five months, from early June, when the brown marmorated stink bug narrator arrives (as "one of the twenty-eight eggs laid on the underside of this leaf") to early October, when S. Bug tucks itself under tree bark for the winter. Along the way, the gently humorous volume follows S. Bug as it munches on plants, evades predators, and hears, over and over again, "Ew. Stink bug." Mixed-media art portrays the insect at different stages of maturity amid leafy spreads, and a cameo by another famous stinker--the skunk--draws laughs. Meisel offers contextualizing information in an introduction and back matter, explaining, for example, how the invasive species likely arrived in the United States and how the bug's scent helps the species to communicate and survive. An effective addition to the series. Ages 4-8. (July)
Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Gr 2-4--In 2018, The New Yorker published the article "When Twenty-Six Thousand Stinkbugs Invade Your Home." That horrifying true tale is listed as a source in Meisel's latest installment in his "Nature Diary" series. Said to be written by S. Bug, this is a first-person account of the first four months of a stink bug's life, from conception to hibernation. Yes, there is a chastely humorous illustration of two stink bugs mating. S. Bug writes about evading predators, feasting on food, and finding shelter, all while educating readers. The story is peppered with dry humor, like a recurring joke about the stink bug being the only creature proud of its triumphs--everyone else just finds it stinky. The book's introduction is written at an adult reading level but includes numerous labeled illustrations to appeal to all readers. The book itself is composed of gorgeously detailed full-page watercolor illustrations and two-page spreads. Each day in S. Bug's life is recounted with one or two simple sentences, such as this entry for July 4: "I was minding my own business eating some lettuce when a bird tried to eat me. I stunk him. He spat me out." Animals and bugs occasionally spout cute lines of dialogue. Back matter includes a glossary, additional facts, and recommended reading. Kids will likely find the tale funny, and adults may even feel a bit sympathetic toward this invasive species. VERDICT Informative for readers of all ages, the book is as charming as its perspective is unusual. A truly unique must-have for any collection.--Chance Lee Joyner, Haverhill P.L., MA
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.