Review by Booklist Review
This nonfiction offering is custom-made for those who like their facts dished out by cartoon figures. In this case, an adult firefly instructs eight firefly larvae in everything they need to know about getting from egg to adulthood, with random bonus facts about their family of winged beetles mixed in. It's set up like a boot camp: a tough sergeant decked out in military attire, complete with medals and epaulets, is determined to instill the important information in the clueless crew. Metamorphosis, the life cycle of fireflies, bioluminescence, how to find a mate, what to eat, and how to stay safe are among the subjects introduced to the eight pupils. While this seems a great deal to cover in a picture book, the humorous tone inherent in the cartoon illustrations make the more technical aspects comprehensible. The text, placed in speech bubbles, consists mostly of the instructor's pronouncements, while brief back matter gives additional information. Like the young fireflies, inquiring minds will devour the interesting tidbits about this unique family of insects.--Enos, Randall Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-Does anyone really know where fireflies come from? This book tackles the question with colorful cartoon drawings and a humorous story line involving a group of firefly larvae. Newly hatched, they get whipped into shape by an R. Lee Ermey-esque drill sergeant who guides them through the mysterious metamorphosis process. He outlines the process from egg to larvae, pupa, and finally adult. Readers find out what fireflies eat in each stage and how they change. The chemical component behind their bioluminescence, which is not exclusive to the adult stage, is also discussed. A "Frequently Asked Questions" section and a glossary round out the content. The dense, complex text, which contains scientific nomenclature, is beyond the comprehension of younger elementary school students. However, the popularity of fireflies will boost kid interest. Foote authored the similarly formatted How To Survive as a Shark, which also tackles the life cycle of a misunderstood animal. VERDICT Curious kids or those tasked with a report will enjoy. A general purchase otherwise.-Jessica Bushore, Xenia, OH © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
"Met-a-more-for-WHAT?" A stern instructor delivers life-cycle information to a class of wide-eyed firefly larvae.Eventually even pulling a pair of class cutups to attention, the teacheran adult rather oddly got up in a military uniform in Salcedo's cartoon illustrationslays down the (natural) law from "You have four different life cycle stages from when you're an egg until you're an adult!" to "As an adult firefly, you have just one job." Supplementing the lecture with definitions and specific details in frequent side notes ("Finding a Mate 101"), the author covers diet, body parts, bioluminescence, molting, avoiding predators (notably cannibalistic fireflies of the Photuris genus and "giants" wielding jars with screw-top lids), and other topics. Following the teacher's annoyed "What do you mean you have questions? I only have about 30 seconds left to live," Foote appends follow-up pages of photos and further facts. She has her finger on the pulse of her audience, informing them of the firefly larva's appealingly icky dining habits (liquefying its prey with poison) and realistically depicting a moment of near-total distraction when the young students delightedly repeat "bum" before being corrected by their teacher ("Grow up, larvae! It's your flashing ABDOMEN"). Illuminating, of courseand also a good deal of fun. (glossary, websites) (Informational picture book. 6-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
