Bugs and Bugsicles: Insects in the Winter
Boyds Mills Press (2010)
Written by Amy S. Hansen, illustrated by Robert C. Kray
Every fall, bugs disappear. And every spring, they return. Where do they go? Bugs and Bugsicles answers the mystery. Some die, leaving their young safe in an egg sack or crawling along the bottom of a pond. Others fly distant places. And one even freezes to thaw out and live another day.Watch as crickets, ladybugs, dragonflies, and other insects get ready for the killing frosts. Then look again, as spring arrives, snow melts, flowers bloom, and suddenly, the bugs are back.
In 2011, 2012, and 2013 Bugs and Bugsicles was the focus of two all- school book grants, and a county-wide grade-level read. The idea is to have all the students read the same book and then do age-appropriate writing projects. I’m honored that Bugsicles is part of a new tradition.
Ages 4-12
32 pages
Boyds Mills Press, Feb 2010
ISBN: 978-1590782699 Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1590787632 Paperback
non-fiction picture book
Hard cover list: $17.95
Paperback list : $11.95
Awards
Named to the John Burroughs List of Outstanding Nature Books for Young Children
Presented April 4, 2011 by the John Burroughs Association at the American Museum of Natural History
Named to the Maine Cream of the Crop 2011 list of excellent books for children.
Named a Best Children’s Book by the Children’s Book Committee, Bank Street College of Education, April, 2011 [Bugsicles is listed in the category Special Interests and then under Science]
Named a 2011 Skipping Stones Honor Award Book “The honored books promote an understanding of the world’s many cultures, cultivate cooperation and encourage a deeper understanding of the world’s incredible diversity, ecological richness, respect for differing view points and relationships between human societies.
Reviews
From Kirkus Feb. 15, 2010
“… Wildlife painter Kray’s glorious double-page acrylic illustrations show the animal in context, including minute detail. … In an appealing, conversational tone, the author includes information about life cycles, preferred habitats and living arrangements. …This is the first title for young readers in 25 years to offer an answer. … A splendid addition to the science shelf. ”
Chicago Tribune Feb. 20, 2010
“Hansen provides not only a great title but also an eye-opening world of detail on how summer’s visible insects adapt to winter. … Hansen’s prose is that of a talented and confident science teacher.”
Reviewer: Mary Harris Russell, professor emeritus of English at Indiana University Northwest, reviews children’s books for Tribune newspapers.
Friends Forward: The Winter 2010 newsletter of the US Fish and Wildlife Service/ National Wildlife Refuge System
“Amazing moments in the life of the refuge’s tiniest creatures abound on every page.”
Reviewer: Karen Leggett
Children’s Literature Feb. 17. 2010
“Amy S. Hansen couples with Robert C. Kray in this enthralling and informative picture book to explain the frosty fate of numerous well-known insects. … Each insect is illustrated with breathtaking detail, and the manuscript could be incorporated in any elementary classroom. This would be a perfect book to read with children in the autumn months, when insects are beginning to “disappear.”
Reviewer: Jennifer Keeney
Midwest Book Reviews
“…From the Arctic Woolly Bear Caterpillar to the Praying Mantis, Field Cricket and Dragonfly, all are clearly pictured and described in fascinating accuracy of detail.”
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