Grasshopper Glitch

August 1, 2013

Gr 2-4-In Spider, readers meet Josh and Danny Phillips, who make the mistake of visiting the backyard of their nasty neighbor, Miss Potts. The eight-year-old twins are searching for their dog when they discover that Miss Potts has developed a formula to turn humans into insects. They are accidentally sprayed and transformed into spiders. From trying to avoid being squished or eaten by a predator to finding food, the boys realize how hard it is to be a tiny spider. All ends well when they are rescued by a couple of helpful rats. The other titles follow a similar plotline: the brothers change into insects and are transformed back to humans at the end. Descriptions of their bug thoughts will hook readers. For example, who knew the smell of cake is so irresistible to flies that they are attracted to it in an almost trancelike state? Fun incidents, such as Danny as a spider taking delight in sucking the juice out of a trapped insect, will have readers giggling or completely grossed out. Amusing black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout. This light, early chapter-book series is a great introduction to a classroom study on insects or arachnids. Fans of Megan McDonald's "Stink" (Candlewick), Tedd Arnold's "Fly Guy" (Scholastic), or Dan Gutman's "My Weird School" (HarperCollins) series will enjoy these books.-Julie Shatterly, W.A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC

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