BUGS

Forty short, rhyming poems about bugs and other crawling creatures are complimented by the choice of a small trim size that suits the diminutive subject matter. Each poem addresses a different type of insect or “creeping thing,” from the familiar and more popular (ladybugs and fireflies) to the unwelcome (ticks and mosquitoes) to the unfamiliar (dung beetles and seventeen-year cicadas). The poems are lighthearted and humorous, with occasional invented words and flashes of slightly gross humor that will appeal to young readers. Seven poems are written for two voices or for a narrator and chorus perfect for the classroom. The thoughtful design includes some creative type treatments and an intriguing cover in midnight blue showing a glass jar full of escaping insects, with a hand-lettered title giving an edgy look. Amusing illustrations of the insects in action are done in bold strokes of ink on white pages or in white on black pages with the poems printed in white type, adding a sophisticated flair. (Poetry. 5-10)