BUZZ

Buzz , a busy little bee, enjoys flying around chatting with her friends about the latest town news. One day she comes across a newspaper on a park bench and learns some terrible news: A professor has declared that bees can’t fly. Half of the newspaper article is torn away, and readers are led to believe the rest is about the miraculous fact that bees actually can fly, even though their bodies are too big for their wings. But Buzz just reads the first part—and suddenly she can’t fly anymore. As she’s lamenting this to her friend Snail, they notice Old Owl’s tree on fire. Luckily, instinct takes over, and Buzz manages to get airborne; Owl is rescued, and so is Buzz. Spinelli’s story moves nicely, and Buzz is a sympathetic character with a clear message. The plot turns, however, feel somewhat contrived and disconnected. Nguyen’s Photoshopped oils give Buzz a high-tech yet painterly feel and a smooth commercial sensibility. Entertaining enough, but heavy handed. (Picture book. 3-5)