Dragonfly

by Aimée M. Bissonette, Catherine Pearson (Illustrations)

We can fly straight up or down, backwards or forwards, stop and hover, make hairpin turns--at top speed or in slow motion. And we've been on Earth for around 300 million years. Strong graphic art and rhythmic text packed with interesting facts to capture imaginations.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Aimée Bissonette was born the sixth of seven children. She grew up with her suitcase never fully unpacked - her family moved many times and she attended 8 different schools before graduating from high school. Aimée earned her Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and her Law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School. She has worked as an occupational therapist, teacher, lawyer, and small business owner. In addition to her books for children, Aimée has published a book for K-12 teachers and administrators on the legal issues associated with technology in the schools. She lives with her husband, family, and dogs in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Desi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations and great dragonfly information!

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of several new nonfiction picture book titles by Albert Whitman Publishing that offers deep dives into the some aspect of the natural world. With accurate and occasionally lyrical text, the various life cycles and other patterns of dragonflies are addressed directly, while the vibrant and dramatic illustrations saturate the pages with somewhat modernist/pop art flash. When viewed carefully (and I did some cross checking on standard entomology pages) the details reflect the strong science in the text.
The author uses some sidebar expansion content for older readers (and parents?) but the main text has enough appeal in phrasing and desscription to make the content accessible for lower grade readers.

[Doe Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stunning, information-packed book is a spectacular visual experience. The illustrations are an exuberant match to the straightforward scientific text that is delivered in first-person plural from the dragonflies themselves. Superstars of the skies, in 3,000 species, these naiads begin life underwater, and Bissonette points out that their presence on Earth since ancient times depends on clean water. This page-turner is driven by gorgeous eye-popping art and color and by clear, strong fact-filled writing. It's a must for any science collection for young readers.

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content: G
They start life in the water, without wings. After months of preparing, they finally leave water behind, unfurl their grown wings, and fly. In the sky, they really become dragonflies.
While interesting, there isn’t a story being told. Dragonfly narrators tell readers about their life cycle, and there are several side-note-like facts on each page. The illustrations are vibrant and eye-catching, but the book itself feels niche for young bug lovers.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated title describing the life cycle of dragonflies who knew they start life in water and can live there several years as in the nymph form prior to becoming the colorful creatures they are. Loved the description of how their four different wings can operate independently. This is a debut title for the illustrator, Catherine Pearson, who is a citizen of Switzerland. Looking forward to more of her work. Truly is a beautiful nonfiction title.
Also several references listed to other titles about dragonflies.

[Mo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the vivid colors and geometrical aspect of the illustrations but dragonflies don't fold their wings back while flying or perched. I only point that detail out since this is an educational book and not a whimsical story.

The inside cover claims that "each picture book in this series focuses on its subject from an unexpected perspective, both in its words and its illustrations." The visuals and text seemed pretty typical to me, so that was a little disappointing.

[Maryann Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We’ve been here three hundred million years. We are small now, but back then our wings spread more than 2 feet across. And we ruled the sky.” In this stunning picture book, the dragonfly tells its own story. Vivid illustrations and dramatic text will draw in nature-loving children. I am buying this book for my grandson's birthday.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stunning book. The gorgeous art reminds me of stained glass, and the text is as lyrical as it is informative. Bissonette immerses the reader in the dragonfly's world, from its watery birth to its winged adult life, including its roles as prey and predator. A perfect introduction to a fascinating insect.

[Julie Hedlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the words and the fascinating facts shared in the sidebars. I do wish the illustrations had been more true to life. Dragonflies are so beautiful, and the cartoonish rendering felt like a missed opportunity to show that.

[Jane Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of lots of interesting and unique facts about dragonflies, this non-fiction title will delight curious kids and generate excitement about the natural world! The bright, bold artwork and clean design is a pleasure to view and is the perfect complement to the well-paced narrative.

[Lou Rocama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three stars for me, four stars for the intended audience. I wanted more detail than what is reasonable in a picture book.
This is one of those books that has aside text for older children that's more in-depth.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A non-fiction story about dragonflies from naiads to the dragonfly. And the book tells where they begin and what they eat and where they live. Lots of description and fun facts in the bubbles. They mostly appear in summer and go away after it gets cooler. Talks about their markings as well.

[Kimberly Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible non fiction!!! I was blown away at how beautiful and how informative this book was. What a great way to share non-fiction. A new series of books well worth checking out! Thanks for sharing with #bookposse!

[Maggie Ignasiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

-gorgeous illustrations
-written in two voices, optimal for reading across ages or with ranged kids

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another captivating nonfiction book by Aimée Bissonette. The dragonfly facts are fascinating and the illustrations by Catherine Pearson are alive with color.

[Ms.Gaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful and informative info on dragonflies, ideal for preschoolers.

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragonflies live 1-8 YEARS long?! Mostly underwater?! I had no idea. Good for older readers (maybe grade 3-5?), or for a read aloud by an adult choosing certain parts only to read. Lovely artwork.

[Villain E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic design-y art. Facts about dragonflies. There's a main story and side notes, but the two are basically redundant. Still intetesting, though.

[Jennifer Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cool information!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always fun to find a book for kids that teaches you something new as an adult. Turns out I knew VERY little about dragonflies!

[Laralee Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.