I, Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are

A fly argues why he should be the science-class representative for insect life cycles instead of the overexposed butterfly. A skeptical classroom grills him about unsavory habits (garbage-eating, disease-spreading). Eventually convinced that "Flies rule!" they capture the fly for study, and he changes his tune. Cleverly skewering elements of the typical animal book, this take on insects is refreshing, amusing, and scientifically accurate. Bib., glos.

An adorable fly -- googly-eyed, fuzzy-bodied, and with a winning smile, as portrayed in Plecas's funny but informative cartoon illustrations -- makes a compelling argument for why he should be the science-class representative for insect life cycles instead of the overexposed, annoyingly perfect butterfly. He pleads his case in front of a skeptical classroom audience, who grill the fly about his more unsavory habits (garbage-eating, disease-spreading). Eventually convinced that "Flies rule!" the students capture the fly for scientific study, and he quickly changes his tune, pleading for his release. Heos cleverly skewers the classic elements of the typical animal book -- the insect life cycle is told through a sappy reminiscence, and the point-by-point comparisons to butterflies and mosquitoes highlight just what makes an insect an insect. Those educators also weary of the primary-science butterfly bias will find this take on insects refreshing, amusing, and scientifically accurate. Appended with a glossary, select bibliography, and list of experts (presumably consulted). danielle j. ford