July 1, 2008
Gr 1-3-Riley is the only one in his group of friends who is constantly being bitten by mosquitoes, and he sets out to discover why. After a lot of research as well as some experimentation, Riley solves the mystery. It turns out that mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of Limburger cheese, which resembles the odor of his stinky sneakers. Clear and simple sentences, colorful realistic illustrations, and diverse characters all contribute to this appealing easy reader. Sidebars full of mosquito facts clutter up the layout, but are worth it because of the amount of interesting information they contain. Riley's activities serve as a great model of the research process as well as the scientific method. He visits the library and uses books, he goes online, and he has an interview with a "bug expert" at the local college, and then he tests out his ideas before coming to a conclusion. The facts are delivered with humor, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read. "Think Like a Scientist" activities round out this appealing title."Amy Rowland, Guggenheim Elementary School, Port Washington, NY"
Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 1, 2008
This book in the Science Solves It series packs a big punchdespite aslight story. Riley has a problem: mosquitoes love him, and hes tired of it. His friends think its funny, but they dont have to cope with itchy bites and annoying buzzing. And hecant figure out why the pests bother him and pass his buddies by. His mother wont allow him to use chemical sprays, and a natural remedy doesnt work (cats follow him home!), sohe goesto the Internetto find out more, and he visits his friends uncle, an entomologist, who gives the best advice of all. Simslively cartoonsketches, washed in a rainbow of colors, are funny and filled with expression, and Knudsen provides lots of facts in boxes scattered across the pages. In addition toall the surprising, usefulbug facts, theres a good lesson in problem solving.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)