A Beetle Is Shy (Aston/Long Nature Books)

by Dianna Hutts Aston (Author) Sylvia Long (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Introduces young readers to a variety of beetles.
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Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

Aston and Long follow A Butterfly Is Patient and other collaborations with a poetic examination of the vast insect order of beetles. As in the previous books, brief phrases ("A beetle is kaleidoscopic," "A beetle is colossal") introduce various characteristics, explored in crisp, accessible text that can be both general and species-specific (" [Fireflies]flash their signals to attract a mate, defend their territory, and warn away predators"). Long's watercolors capture the vibrant details of the rainbow stag beetle, dead-nettle leaf beetle, and other striking specimens in a sparkling homage to a diverse category of insect. Ages 5-8. Author's agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Apr.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 4—The author/illustrator pair have created yet another colorful and intricate work. The combination of Aston's soft text and Long's watercolors provide readers with an enjoyable insight into the world of beetles. Text presented in a sweeping cursive font introduces a general statement about beetles ("A beetle is telegraphic"), while text rendered in a smaller, nonscript font expands on this trait or ability ("Most beetles send messages to each other using chemicals called pheromones.... Others 'talk' to each other with squeaky, raspy sounds..."). Several illustrations depict the beetle species in their natural environments (a boll weevil munching on a plant), while others juxtapose everyday items with the insect to give a sense of size perspective (the North American featherwing beetle and the eye of a needle). Each species is labeled, and the endpapers feature an illustrated free-form list of all the beetles pictured. The only thing that could make this book better would be a glossary of the beetles with additional information for the curious child.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Hornbook

An eloquent blend of science and art. —Hornbook https://www.hbook.com/?detailStory=insects-and-invertebrates

Review quotes

"Children and adults will love this beautiful and fascinating book."-School Library Journal
Dianna Hutts Aston
Dianna Hutts Aston is the author of many books for children and is the founder of the Oz Project, a nonprofit foundation for disadvantaged children. She lives on an island off the coast of Texas.

Sylvia Long is the illustrator of many bestselling books for children, including Sylvia Long's Mother Goose and Hush Little Baby. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband and their dogs.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781452127125
Lexile Measure
1070
Guided Reading Level
P
Publisher
Chronicle Books
Publication date
April 05, 2016
Series
Aston/Long Nature
BISAC categories
JNF003120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Insects, Spiders, etc.
Library of Congress categories
Beetles

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