A Day in the Life of Bugs – Lisa Connors

My husband has occasionally noted over the years that I should have been an entomologist. Maybe. I can think of several careers I would have enjoyed, but I’m certainly not starting over now! Today’s book review is written by an entomologist who clearly loves studying insects.

A Day in the Life of Bugs: What do bees, ants, and dragonflies get up to all day? By Dr. Jessica L. Ware and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat (Neon Squid, 2022) is a vibrantly illustrated look at more than just bees, ants, and dragonflies formatted with examples of bug activity from 7 am until 10 pm. Interspersed between some of these full-page spreads are some basic information sections that cover topics like urban insects, swimming bugs, hitchhikers, and forms and functions of wings.

The illustrations are busy and fun, and I think many young readers will enjoy them. The flow of time through the day is not in one location or habitat but mixed – separate countries even – to showcase an interesting organism. But overall, we get a good picture of the busy life of bugs as they meet their life cycle needs.

I may not be an entomologist, but I am enjoying my Insect Project and working on it steadily. I am regularly searching for insects and drawing and painting them in the ABC book. Who and where is rather random, based on which organism captures my attention that day. This past week I spent a lot of time on the M page. It is not done, but I include it below for a sneak preview.

I hope you encounter an insect this week that captures your attention and sparks some awe.