Noisy Bug Sing-Along

June 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 1-A still summer evening isn't always quiet for those who listen carefully. They might hear and identify some noisy bugs using this simple primer. Himmelman devotes a spread to each insect and its distinctive sound. Though the text is simple, with just one line per page, the author packs in the information. He includes the complete name of the bug and an easy-to-replicate phonetic description of the sound. Readers will also learn about how the noisy creature adapts to its environment. For example, a Dog-Day Cicada buzzes high in a tree, not near the ground. The textual information is set off by larger-than-life illustrations. The colors are saturated but still realistic. There are enough details in the pictures to serve as a beginning identification guide. Additional details about all of the bugs is appended. Missing, though, is any notation about where in the United States the insects live, which might have made this book even more useful. Nature activities are included. This book will be well-used on trips to the woods and in backyards throughout the summer, wherever noisy bugs can be found.-Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2013
Preschool-G In this colorful picture book, Himmelman introduces the sounds of noisy bugs and invites children to sing along with them. Each double-page spread focuses on one insect, with a line of text, such as A Dog-Day Cicada buzzes LOUDLY high in a tree. / ZZZZZZZZ, and a meticulously drawn, large-scale image of the animal, with color, texture, and shading apparently added digitally. The big, bold images make the illustrations inviting to children, while the accurate depictions of individual insects reward closer study. Among those featured are the tiger moth (SQUEAKA-SQUEAKA-SQUEAK), the mosquito (mmmmmm), and the bush katydid (tick-tick-tick zeezeezeezee). An appended section provides the sound waves (on paper and, through a link, in audio files) recorded for each example; a paragraph of information about each bug and its sound; and good activities for children. For a rousing read-aloud session, pair this well-focused book with Ant Ant Ant: An Insect Chant (2005).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2014
Invited to sing along, readers are introduced to twelve insects and their unique sounds. Dramatic but sometimes gaudy illustrations provide an up-close look at flying, burrowing, and crawling insects in a variety of environments. A simple sentence is followed by bold-faced sound effects that energetically stretch across the pages, emphasizing volume and rhythm. Back matter includes activities and further information about each insect.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)