Have you seen the fabulous new picture book 13 Ways to Eat a Fly by Sue Heavenrich and illustrated by David Clark?
It is hilarious and a bit icky, too. It puts both the S (science) and the M (math) in STEAM. And a bunch of pretty silly A (art), too.
The story starts with a cloud of thirteen different kinds of flies.
Big flies,
small flies,
fat flies,
thinner,
Yum! These flies are someone’s dinner.
As they travel through the book, the flies meet one untimely end after another as the reader learns about all the living things that rely on flies for their survival.
13 Ways to Eat a Fly has tidbits for everyone. The youngest readers will enjoy counting down the numbers. Slightly older readers will enjoy the gross and silly aspects, such as the absolutely hilarious chart of the edible parts of a fly along with a graphic listing the nutritional facts. Budding entomologists will soak up all the science, including the common and family names of each of the flies, and interesting details about the predators. Educators will enjoy two pages of suggested books and websites in the back matter, so helpful for digging deeper.
Not sure you really want to read about icky flies? Don’t worry, by the time you’re done, you will be rooting for them!
Be sure to visit Growing with Science blog for an interview with author Sue Heavenrich and an activity suggestion.
Copyright © 2021 Roberta Gibson All Rights Reserved.