  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 07/01/2017 PreS-Gr 2—This delightful nonfiction picture book follows companions Dinosaurs from Head to Tail and Ocean Animals from Head to Tail in a series of enlightening texts that look and read like fiction. This installment has the same format as the previous works, opening with a spread depicting a close-up of an animal part and posing a question (for example, "What bug has antennae like this?"). Turn the page, and a wider view of the whole creature in its natural environment is revealed, accompanied by a detailed explanation of that particular species and how it uses its body to survive. The digital illustrations, created using photographs of paper and textures, are eye-catching, with bright colors, varying patterns, and dimension. The pictures are complemented by informative, engaging text. This title features bugs that will likely be familiar to children (ladybug, monarch butterfly) and those that are not (rhinoceros beetle). The story is succinct, as only eight bugs are included, but an additional seven are mentioned and illustrated on the last two pages. This would work well as a read-aloud and could easily launch a discussion or spark art projects or crafts. VERDICT A successful example of read-aloud nonfiction that would be a welcome addition to most library collections.—Lindsay Jensen, Nashville Public Library - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 07/01/2019 With vibrant mixed media, collages, and a playful Q&A format, this inviting volume introduces eight different bugs by highlighting each one's various attributes. Each bug is given two full-page spreads, the first of which features a tantalizing close-up of a specific physical trait and question; for example, “What kind of bug has antennae like this?” Flip page for the reveal—“A luna moth!”—and the featured insect is fully presented in its natural environment, with an accompanying, smaller-text paragraph explaining the specified trait’s use and importance (for example, “The luna moth uses its two feathery-looking antennae for finding its way and for smelling”), plus some related facts. The bugs range from the familiar (ladybug, monarch butterfly) to less common (rhinoceros beetle, millipede), while the attributes progress (naturally) from head to tail. Appended are seven additional “awesome bugs,” accompanied by more facts and a brief “A Bit More about Bugs” sidebar, including scientific nomenclature. This charming, read-aloud-friendly take on a popular topic is both entertaining and informative. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. Loading...
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