Last month I won a picture book on Kathy Temean’s “Writingand Illustrating” blog. After what I had read about Denise Dowling Mortensen’s
Bug Patrol, I expected a totally silly read. But Bug Patrol is a chameleon of a
story. The silly premise and adorably whimsical illustrations are the foil for
a story about police work and proper behavior.
Title: Bug Patrol
Author: Denise Dowling Mortensen
Illustrator: Cece Bell
Publisher: Clarion, 2013
Audience: 4-8
Themes: Time telling, Police work, Manners
Opening: “ 9 A.M.
Behind the
wheel,
Riding in
My Bug Mobile.
Coffee,
cruller,
Cruise control.
I’m Captain
Bob,
Bug Patrol.
Synopsis: Told in playful verse, Bug Patrol follows Captain
Bob through a day of police work in the insect world with tongue-in-cheek
references to donut-eating police officers and roach motels. Instead of one
over-arching conflict, the book uses a series of vignettes to power the story. Insect
crimes include rude conduct, fender benders, speeding and noise violations. Busy Captain
Bob saves lost fleas and finds safe housing for roaches, too!
Cynthia Leitich Smith interviewed the author on the subject of mining childhood memories in her work. Write a list of your daily activities, check the times with Captain Bob's schedule in the book. Schedule a visit to your local police station or an insectarium. Discuss the importance of following rules. Practice what to do if you get lost.
This book is a great read aloud!
This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. She keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books.
Now that's looking at the life of policemen with different eyes...clever! Thanks for sharing this, Wendy.
ReplyDeleteIt's a weird combination that works.
DeleteOh my, I think the kids will love this. Love the cover. Thanks for the review. And - I'm glad you entered my book giveaway. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet. When Captain Bob gets out of his car he has this hilarious bulgy green larval looking shape. The illustrator did a fantastic job.
DeleteWhat a hoot! This definitely is a clever approach to a book. Loved the video trailer. Kids will love this book Wendy! See that it's hot off the press. Will check it out for my friend's son. Oh, so cute.
ReplyDeleteYup, in this book, bugs are people too--well not really, but you get the idea.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice! This book looks like fun. Once I ate a bug. It was delicious! Mom said, "Oh no you didn't." But oh yes I did! Mmmm...
ReplyDeleteLove and licks,
Cupcake
LOL Genevieve (and Cupcake!).
DeleteUnusual and very clever. Will certainly delight many kids. Great choice, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteOops, forgot to mention, after arriving home from our trip I checked in to my office to pick up my mail and your book had arrived. Thank you so much. I love it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it! Now you have to decide...read or write in those spare minutes. Tough choice!
DeleteLove the very short sentences in the stanzas - punchy. Creative way to look at police and politeness!
ReplyDeleteA great read aloud and short enough for bedtime!
DeleteI know a couple of small boys who would love this book. (One of the fathers is a police officer!) And I would like the message :)
ReplyDeletePass the word along, Sandi! Thanks for the comment.
DeleteI still have this on hold at the library - can't wait.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky to get it.
DeleteLooks fun and entertaining on many levels.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to keep up with all the newest books. Thanks for the valuable review.
ReplyDelete