YOUNGER FICTION
Spires, Ashley

Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite!

(3) 1-3 Burt, an affable ten-lined June beetle (aka watermelon beetle), stars in this graphic novel/information book hybrid. Spires's easy-to-decode text and cartoon art relates how Burt finds his purpose, while delivering a few facts about June beetles, some other insects, and spiders along the way. An off-stage narrator emphasizes what June beetles can't do--climb walls, move quickly, fly effectively--while sharing other creatures' "superpowers" (ants: strength, some termites: "paralyzing venom"). Burt starts to believe the narrator's negative talk until his own attributes (heaviness, stickiness) and hugging skills save the day. A final spread offers a few "Super Facts" about six insects. Funny and informative.

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