My Stinky Summer by S. Bug (Nature Diary #3)

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)

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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.

★ The book itself is composed of gorgeously detailed full-page watercolor illustrations and two-page spreads. . . . Informative for readers of all ages, the book is as charming as its perspective is unusual. A truly unique must-have for any collection.—School Library Journal, Starred Review

Meisel's inviting artwork illustrates the bug's activities, such as molting, foraging, and defending itself against predators. . . . A worthy addition to the attractive Nature Diaries series.—Booklist

Meisel manages droll, restrained anthropomorphism here that illuminates stink bug habits without making S. either a villain or a misunderstood hero; Bug is just a bug doing its bug things, without malice or virtue. . . . The diary entry format gives lots of breathers to new readers but also works well for a readaloud, especially for young naturalists or recent victims of stink bugs.—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The watercolor and acrylic illustrations are humorous yet real-world; painterly and refreshingly un-cartoonish. . . . The format and short sentences will suit independent early-chapter-book readers, but do read it aloud, if only for the luxury of saying "stink" as often as you want to. —The Horn Book

Text is minimal in this fact-filled, captivating title. Sentences are concise and witty, capturing the voice of this feisty individualist. . . . Appealing colorful illustrations depict natural-world details, rendered in vivid colors. White space and light-colored backgrounds allow kids to focus on S. Bug's activities and habitat. Illustrated facts about stink bugs appear on the endpapers, which are designed so that no text is covered by the flyleaves. Here's an enticing critter children won't soon forget.—Kirkus Reviews

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. . . . An effective addition to the series.—Publishers Weekly

Students will be drawn in by the full-color illustrations and nicely spaced, easy-to-read text on each page. . . . This would be an excellent beginner's book for budding entomologists—School Library Connection