A Beetle is Shy

This is one of a series of literary nonfiction books produced by Aston and Long. Other titles include An Egg is Quiet, A Butterfly is Patient, A Seed is Sleepy, A Rock is Lively, A Nest is Noisy. This is a gorgeous book, both in the illustrations as well as the memorable writing. Students of any age are invited to interact with the text, the illustrations, and the captions. Although the text is spare students will learn so much about the life cycle, the varieties, the diversity of appearance, the habits, and so much more. Each main idea is stated in memorable language (e.g., A beetle is kaleidoscopic) and followed by compelling details, both in text and in illustrations. Even the endpapers teach. The vocabulary of this book is also rich.  

Aston is an award-winning author and because of the universal appeal, this series has been published in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, German, Danish, and Romanian. President and Mrs. Obama chose one of her books to read aloud to 2nd graders. She calls herself a Dream Activist and her books show that this is an accurate description of a scientific writer who dreams to stimulate imagination using facts. She appreciates opportunities to teach students and teachers about writing nonfiction. Her website features an astronaut (in uniform) reading one of her books to a group of children. Her website contains helpful information for teachers interested in promoting STEM.

Teaching Points: This book lends itself perfectly to a text innovation for any grade. Have teams of students collaborate (as do Aston & Long) to identify a scientific phenomenon or concept that can be described by personification. Have them write and illustrate the book using a similar structure of beginning with a topic sentence (A beetle is shy) and then including details. Challenge them to also include details in the illustrations.

This book also lends itself to whole class instruction in learning to linger with the illustrations with the purpose of discovering details not included in the text.  

 Pathways Theme: Living Things

Reviewed by Krystal Bishop, EdD

Professor of Education

Southern Adventist University

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