Do Doodlebugs Doodle? Amazing Insect Facts (Do Animals Animate?)

PreS-K--This book offers young readers fun facts about insects. Here, children will wonder whether a dragonfly throws fire through its mouth or whether a horsefly can gallop like a horse. Demas and biologist Roehrig deliver an attractive informational work for preschoolers. With a humorous tone, the text encourages readers to think, for example, of a stink bug taking a bath and a book lice having a library card. This jocular paragraphed narrative is accompanied by similarly playful watercolor illustrations depicting children from varied ethnicities interacting with the insects represented in the illustrations. This title allows for a splendid read-along activity, in which readers are challenged with a fun question or absurd scenario. The back matter includes an individualized definition of all the insects covered in the book. VERDICT An enjoyable information picture book about insects to share in an early elementary classroom or a storytime for older preschoolers.--Kathia Ibacache, Simi Valley Public Library, CA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Clever...playful...funny speculation is made about the common names of each of 11 insects...introducing each with a question in bold, dark print, opening with 'Do dragonflies breathe fire?'...visions of treasure chests in sand and children dressed as pirates and knights battling fire-equipped dragonflies...the page turn revealing a larger image of the dragonfly along with a definitive 'No!'...followed by information about the unique way a dragonfly catches its prey. Colorful, cartoonish artwork expanding on the theme...and a nice little surprise with the final bug—plus additional, accessible notes about insects.— "Kirkus Reviews"