From Booklist
Gr. 4^-6. In brief, nicely written memories, Dewey calls up encounters from her childhood that cemented her fascination with insects, using each as an entree to intriguing scientific information. A remembrance of Dewey's being attacked by locusts, for example, leads to facts about insects that swarm. Other topics introduced are fireflies, eating habits, spiders, and insects that live in a watery environment. The details presented are highly selective, so report writers will need to consult other resources. But this is a wonderful way to bring readers up close to an aspect of the natural world that is routinely dismissed and to show them how truly fascinating it can be--and is. The personal glimpses would have read more smoothly without pronunciation guides and the use of boldface to target scientific terms, but teachers may appreciate the publisher's extra efforts and the appended glossary. The scientific drawings contributed by Dewey are excellent. Stephanie Zvirin
Review
"A delightful series of reminiscences about [Dewey's] childhood encounters with insects....A well-written peek into a world rarely seen." -- Science Books & Films, Editor's Choice, March 1998
"Dewey harmoniously weaves her own childhood stories (about run-ins withswarming locusts, black widow spiders, and bedbugs) into a clear, effective introduction to the basics of entomology....The bigger-than-life-size pencil drawings of all the bugs are detailed, well-labeled, and greatly extend the text." -- The Horn Book Guide, January-June 1998
"Dewey harmoniously weaves her own childhood stories (about run-ins withswarming locusts, black widow spiders, and bedbugs) into a clear, effective introduction to the basics of entomology....The bigger-than-life-size pencil drawings of all the bugs are detailed, well-labeled, and greatly extend the text." -- The Horn Book Guide, January-June 1998
