Poems for reading aloud that explore the lives of insects. Newbery Medal winner, 1989.

Written to be read aloud by two voices--sometimes alternating, sometimes simultaneous--here is a collection of irresistible poems that celebrate the insect world, from the short life of the mayfly to the love song of the book louse.

Funny, sad, loud, and quiet, each of these poems resounds with a booming, boisterous, joyful noise. In this remarkable volume of poetry for two voices, Paul Fleischman verbally re-creates the "Booming/boisterous/joyful noise" of insects.

The poems resound with the pulse of the cicada and the drone of the honeybee. Eric Beddows's vibrant drawings send each insect soaring, spinning, or creeping off the page in its own unique way. A clear and fascinating guide to the insect world--from chrysalis butterflies to whirligig beetles-- and an exultant celebration of life.