Bella Loves Bugs

March 1, 2022
Join spunky Bella as she explores her neighborhood in search of different bugs. Bella prepares for her bug hunt by gathering the requisite tools before heading outside. She soon encounters her pal Billy, and together they marvel at a line of industrious ants. Ant facts are shared via annotated diagrams. The two kids move on to investigations of bees, bugs that jump, flying insects, and those found in a pond. Bella demonstrates an activity called "pond dipping," which allows a young entomologist to closely examine pond-dwelling creatures by using a white tray and a small net. The story moves briskly into metamorphosis, catching bugs in a tumble trap, and more. Bella never harms the bugs, and she returns them to their habitats. At the end of the day, Bella finds herself back at home and ready for bed after a full day of arthropod appreciation. The pages are crammed with text in varying font sizes, covering a broad range of insect-related topics. Young readers can enjoy searching for Nancy, the house spider who makes an appearance on each double-page spread. The full-color digital illustrations are bright and keep pace with the information-driven plot. Bella and her caregiver are White; Billy has dark brown skin; and Pedro, another of Bella's friends, has light brown skin and wears hearing aids. Insect conservation tips comprise the backmatter. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Bug lovers will have plenty to buzz about after reading this picture book. (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from April 1, 2022
Preschool-Grade 1 *Starred Review* Once readers see insects through Bella's bug-loving eyes, they'll catch her exuberant enthusiasm. With a pack full of collecting supplies, Bella sets off, meeting up with two trusty friends--Billy, a bird enthusiast, and Pedro, a budding gardener--along the way. She examines ants and bees, "bouncing bugs" like grasshoppers, "beautiful butterflies," and "brilliant beetles." She makes observations, sets catch-and-release traps (with instructions for the reader to do the same), and discusses insect behavior and features with her friends. The art and the text blend together seamlessly, and the pages are varied and busy while still feeling cohesive. Cartoon-style panels, labeled diagrams (an ants' nest, butterfly metamorphosis, bug charts), whimsical dialogue, and even sound effects (""Swoosh!"" ""Hop!"") combine to engaging effect. A grouchy spider also adds to the fun by interjecting humorous disgruntled comments. By the end of this book, insect lovers and skeptics alike will come to love or at least appreciate Bella--and her bugs, too! A champion entry in the Nature Heroes series (2 titles).

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May 1, 2022

K-Gr 3-Bella and Billy take readers through an exciting day of bug- and bird-watching in these two lovely works of narrative nonfiction. They start at home where Bella describes how she's keeping insects for a short time for observation, and Billy checks a nest cam for the progress of newly hatching baby birds. Then they each pack up for a walk, explaining all their gear. As they walk, they notice lots of different kinds of bugs and birds. They also make connections to animals worldwide that have similar characteristics. For example, when Billy finds a beautiful kingfisher feather, he explains how different kinds of feathers serve different purposes, followed by a page with a bird guide that demonstrates the spectacular coloring and shading of the peacock and scarlet macaw. Similarly, when Bella finds a butterfly, she can discuss the variety of the species, opposite a page that acts as a bug guide, listing butterflies from across the globe. There is a wealth of information about bugs and birds, including their eggs and nest-building habits, as well as a life cycle drawing of butterflies. The artwork is vibrant and colorful. Bella and Billy are cartoons and so are their funny sidekicks-a bird for Billy and a spider for Bella-but the guide pages have accurate depictions of these creatures: the birds behave like birds and the bugs behave like bugs, which will make it a useful addition to the nonfiction section of the library. It's an enjoyable story, but a useful reference, too. Longer than the average picture book, the books can be dipped in and out of without sacrificing story lines. VERDICT This engaging narrative nonfiction series will be a joy for the critter enthusiasts in any library.-Debbie Tanner

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