Mr. Mosquito Put on His Tuxedo

by Barbara Olenyik Morrow

Mr. Mosquito saves the insect ball from an intruding bear. Illustrations reveal a surprise ending.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Fiction, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 5, 2009

Reviews

[Michal Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to different types of insects with rhyming words

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and its rhymes are spectacular!

[Johna Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself was not what I expected after reading the title. The storyline was forced in a way that the rhyme scheme may have prohibited. The rhymes are fun and pictures fit the story exactly. As a teacher, I would use this story to teach students how to make predictions. I would demonstrate this by reading the title and making a prediction about the book based on the front cover. I would explain to my students that predictions require making new connections using prior knowledge. Predictions can be made by using the book title and illustrations on the front cover. Predicting is not a wild guess but a thoughtful hypothesis based on the clues provided. I would give the students 2 examples on how to make predictions. While reading the story aloud, I will stop and let students make predictions. I will take notes of the predictions so that we could see whether our predictions were correct. I will explain to my students that our predictions will change as we continue reading. Predictions change with the more information you receive. We will discuss and share our thoughts as a class.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute enough premise, and many of the scenes at the ball were quite funny, but some of the rhymes felt forced. I particularly thought the phrase "by and by" seemed dated and unexplained to a small child. I thought that phrase was an anachronism when I was a child; thirty years later, it's, sadly, still being used. The illustrations were hit-and-miss. Finding the insects being mentioned in the text was a nice side activity. I also commend the author for differentiating between insects and spiders.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Mosquito is going to a high-class shin-dig. The queen bee is there so he dressed up nice and fancy. But the party is threatened by BIG FEET. Luckily, Mr. Mosquito remembers he is one of the most annoying insects on the planet, and with the help of his friends and family, he saves the day.

Great illustrations.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an elementary teacher and my students absolutely LOVE this book! It's a great book to work with rhyming, predictions, new vocab, and using illustrations to enhance a story. I've used this as a read-aloud with a wide range of reading levels, and will continue to use this book in my classroom. Highly recommend!

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art is stiff--it should be funny, but somehow it just looks like wooden bug figures in clothes. The rhymes work, but that's about all they do.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good Rhyming for storytime. Will use for summer theme.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, buggy read-aloud.

[Tina B · Rating 3 out of 5]

"bugs, new ugly bug ball, camping"

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for helping children understand the concept of rhyming.

[Kenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

My son liked this book, but the words and concepts were a bit over his head. I thought it stunk!

[Kristin Sprague · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rhyming is fun!

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book about a bug ball. Think insects in evening clothes. The story is written in rhyme so it has some pretty great vocabulary. I liked it.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great rhymes here.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book, lots of insects, good rhyme to the story that was quite catchy to my almost 3 year old.