My Stinky Summer by S. Bug - (Nature Diary) by Paul Meisel (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Told in diary form, My Stinky Summer by S. Bug introduces readers to the stinkbug's life cycle and survival habits.

From the day he is born, S. Bug hears the same refrain--Ew! Stinkbug! The stinkbug's odor is powerful protection against from predators. Perhaps too powerful. Readers will also learn about the challenges that arise when an ecosystem is pushed off-balance.

Children will love poring over the bright, highly detailed illustrations and pondering ideas about ecosystems and nature.

The book includes a glossary and further information in the back of the book. Both art and text have been vetted for accuracy by an expert.

A Junior Library Guild Selection!

Don't miss the other hilarious entries in The Nature Diary Series!

Each one explores the life cycle of an animal in dated journal entries, showing young readers how they grow and change through the seasons-- and offering a few laughs, too! Brightly illustrated and vetted by experts, Paul Meisel's books are a perfect introduction to your backyard neighbors.

My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis
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My Tiny Life by Ruby T. Hummingbird
Available Spring 2021

Review Quotes

Meisel's inviting artwork illustrates the bug's activities, such as molting, foraging, and defending itself against predators. . . . A worthy addition to the attractive Nature Diaries series.--Booklist

Meisel manages droll, restrained anthropomorphism here that illuminates stink bug habits without making S. either a villain or a misunderstood hero; Bug is just a bug doing its bug things, without malice or virtue. . . . The diary entry format gives lots of breathers to new readers but also works well for a readaloud, especially for young naturalists or recent victims of stink bugs.--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The watercolor and acrylic illustrations are humorous yet real-world; painterly and refreshingly un-cartoonish. . . . The format and short sentences will suit independent early-chapter-book readers, but do read it aloud, if only for the luxury of saying "stink" as often as you want to. --The Horn Book

Text is minimal in this fact-filled, captivating title. Sentences are concise and witty, capturing the voice of this feisty individualist. . . . Appealing colorful illustrations depict natural-world details, rendered in vivid colors. White space and light-colored backgrounds allow kids to focus on S. Bug's activities and habitat. Illustrated facts about stink bugs appear on the endpapers, which are designed so that no text is covered by the flyleaves. Here's an enticing critter children won't soon forget.--Kirkus Reviews

Mixed-media art portrays the insect at different stages of maturity amid leafy spreads, and a cameo by another famous stinker--the skunk--draws laughs. . . . An effective addition to the series.--Publishers Weekly

Students will be drawn in by the full-color illustrations and nicely spaced, easy-to-read text on each page. . . . This would be an excellent beginner's book for budding entomologists--School Library Connection

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