The Horn Book Guide

SCIENCE

Aston, Dianna Hutts

A Beetle Is Shy

40 pp. | Chronicle | April, 2016 | Trade ISBN 978-1-4521-2712-5 $16.99

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sylvia Long. Larger-than-life watercolor illustrations of colorful, gem-like beetles are framed by poetic text describing their features and behaviors. This exploration of beetle biodiversity showcases their "kaleidoscopic" colors; their range of stature ("A beetle is colossal... / or microscopic"); their lively moves as they dig, run, hop, and swim; the ways they are "helpful... / or harmful" to human endeavors; and more. An eloquent blend of science and art.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo