Wingmaker

Gr 2--4--This noble effort to explain both the scientific method and the insect life cycle falls short in storytelling. Leaf and Lou are two hardworking ants who have made friends with Gramma Tinker, a 77-day-old eastern tent caterpillar who lives in the tree above the ant hill. Gramma Tinker studies the wings of flies, bats, and hummingbirds, and is working on a new invention: the Wingmaker 77. After completing the mysterious invention, Gramma Tinker disappears. She returns a couple of weeks later as a moth, to the ants' surprise. The titular Wingmaker is never seen, obscuring the pupa stage from readers. Instead, back matter provides a scientifically accurate explanation of the moth's life cycle. Some of the art compositions are chaotic, resulting in a wordy text to explain what's happening in the scene. VERDICT The colors are bright, the ants are cute, and the other wildlife is not without charm, but this is an additional purchase at best.--Chance Lee Joyner, Haverhill P.L., MA

Leaf and Lou are ants who live at the base of the cherry tree where their beloved friend, the eccentric caterpillar Gramma Tinker, has her laboratory and her home. After a long day of taking care of larval ants and tidying up tunnels, Leaf and Lou love to visit Gramma Tinker and see her inventions. In the 77 days of her life, Gramma Tinker has invented all kinds of things, ranging from a 14-pedal bicycle for caterpillars to a special pair of scissors that help Leaf cut leaves for food. Leaf and Lou are excited because Gramma Tinker is working on her most daring invention yet: a silky contraption called the Wingmaker 77. In order to perfect her latest innovation, Gramma Tinker asks Leaf and Lou to help her do some research. Together, Leaf, Lou, and Gramma Tinker interview a hummingbird, a fly, and a bat to find out more about what it takes to fly. After these conversations, Gramma Tinker announces that she's ready for an adventure and asks Leaf and Lou to come back in two weeks. When they return, everything is different--and more exciting than they could have possibly imagined. This reimagination of a caterpillar's experience of metamorphosis introduces a preschool science concept while also encouraging children to use their imaginations. The pastel-hued cartoon illustrations complement the book's sweet and gentle tone. While the book is hardly scientifically accurate, the story is entertaining and creative. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11.3-by-17.8-inch double-page spreads viewed at 20.9% of actual size.) A good-hearted picture book with an unusual, fictional take on metamorphosis. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.