What to Expect When You're Expecting Larvae

May 1, 2011

Gr 3-5-A mock guide provides the framework for this whimsical introduction to insect larvae. Each two- to four-page section consists of a question in large, bold print, ostensibly posed by a "parent," followed by the personalized answer in smaller type. For instance, "Will my larvae eat what I eat?" is answered by, "Most likely you and your larvae will dine on different things...," along with examples of what the larvae of clothes moths and mosquitoes feed upon. Other entries focus on the number of eggs produced, where they are laid, complete metamorphosis, natural enemies, common defense mechanisms, etc. Distinctive characteristics of more than a dozen insects are briefly described (flies, butterflies, beetles, etc.) The cartoon drawings of the insects are so heavily anthropomorphized (humanoid mouths, long eyelashes, etc.) that they bear little resemblance to the actual invertebrates. Although the text is clearly written, some important information is omitted. For instance, basic insect anatomy and methods of locomotion are not mentioned. Some subjective comments are superfluous (e.g., "Note to wood-boring beetles: Woodpeckers are not only noisy but also evil"). The fictionalized text and cartoon illustrations will limit the book's usefulness for students, and the vocabulary is too difficult for the picture-book crowd. Sandra Markle's Creepy, Crawly Baby Bugs (Walker, 1996) is a better choice.-Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2011
A spoof on the popular parenting books, this answers the burning questions of insect parents-to-be and is chock full of fascinating (and sometimes disgusting) facts that are sure to grab human readers' interest. From where to lay the eggs and how many there will be, to what the larvae will eat, what will eat them and how they will stay safe, this covers it all for butterflies, bees, moths, flies, beetles and mosquitoes. Folding in facts comes easily to Heos, for whom this is her first picture book. She manages to pack in explanations of survival, the food chain, camouflage, disguise and metamorphosis. There's even a little history lesson involving beetles and book glue. Throughout, the tongue-in-cheek humor will keep readers engaged, while the facts and vocabulary will please educators. What Jorisch's brilliantly colored insects lack in realism, they more than make up for in personality. The anthropomorphized bugs add to the tongue-in-cheek parody and also provide some great mnemonics for remembering the information presented. Backmatter includes a glossary, selected bibliography and a list of resources for further reading. Lumping together the many insects whose life cycles include the larval stage makes this more of an overview/introduction rather than a resource, but it is a humorous one certain to entertain and maybe even spark some interest. (Informational picture book. 6-11)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

April 1, 2011
Grades 2-4 You must be so excited, Heos writesand why wouldnt you be? Youre about to give birth to larvae! This consistently amusing entry in the Expecting Animal Babies series presents itself as a reassuring guide for new insect parents and is arranged around Q&As. For example: Q. What will my babies look like? Will they resemble their mother or father? A. Surprise! Neither! They will look like worms. The font size is needlessly small, but Heos humor conquers all, whether discussing a place to lay eggs (the dog doo of my dreams!); urging patience (You did the same thing when you were young); and dispensing tough love (Sorry, fly mommies and daddies. People think your maggots are yucky). The format makes this more for pleasure than for study, though Heos works in plenty of facts (a sphinx moth multiplies its weight 10,000 times in 16 days!). Jorischs spindly illustrations feel a bit low-key for such hilarity, but they capably portray the tough but rewarding (?) job of bringing cute little dung-eaters into the world.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)