Buzz

PreS-Gr 2Buzz loves everything about being a bee, especially her ability to fly. Then a storm blows a sheet of newspaper her way, and the little creature is horrified by the headline: "Professor Declares Bees Can't Fly." Even though the rest of the article is torn away, Buzz believes the professor is right. And, of course, now that she's convinced she can't fly, all her attempts to take off end in failure. When a fire threatens Old Owl's life and walking proves too slow, though, Buzz forgets the article, takes to the air, and saves the day. This thin plot and abrupt resolution make for a less than satisfying read. Buzz's sudden inability to fly, her lightning-fast recovery of her powers, and Old Owl's need to be warned his tree is burning stretch credibility. While the rhyme, alliteration, and close-ups depicted in the large oil cartoon illustrations may provide some interest, youngsters might be better served learning some factual information about bees in Gail Gibbons's "The Honey Makers" (Morrow, 1997)."Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT" Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Bumblebee Buzz has a crisis of faith when a newspaper article points out that bees, with their too-small wings and cumbersome bodies, ought not to be able to fly. The effect is immediate: the pert, doe-eyed Buzz "bobbled. And wobbled. And fell--PLIP--to the ground." She stays earthbound until fire threatens her friend Old Owl's nest; an emergency is what it takes to get her to stop thinking and trust her own experience instead. While the factoid about bee flight is an interesting bit of trivia, it's perhaps not quite substantial enough for a whole story line. Spinelli (Princess Pig) refers to Buzz's relationships with other animals, but the focus is on Buzz and her dilemma. Nguyen's (The Truly Terribly Horrible Sweater... That Grandma Knit) big oil landscapes feature inviting blue skies and warm, sunlit clouds. Buzz's face is colored yellow, but her wide eyes, pixie-cut bangs, and red lips suggest a girl dressed up in a bee costume, the better for young readers to identify with. Those in search of motivational tales need look no further. Ages 48. (July) Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.