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How to Survive
How to Survive as a Firefly
Listen up, larvae! I've been in the trenches for the last year and a half, and let me tell you, there is danger lurking behind every tree and headlight. With my expertise, you'll learn how to hunt your first meal (snail soup anyone?), what makes your abdomen glow (put down the fire extinguisher!), and how to react when your mate wants to eat you for dinner (who knew fireflies could be cannibals?).
Buck up, buttercup - you're in for the flight of your life! If you know what's good for you, you'll stop goofing around and pay attention to How to Survive as a Firefly, or you might never make it to adulthood! How to Survive as a Firefly provides a unique take on insect science that will entertain and educate in and out of the classroom.
Full of opportunities for extended learning, this book includes fun facts hidden throughout the hilarious illustrated story - and after, a glossary of important terms and some real firefly photos. If you've ever wondered how these fascinating beetles grow and glow -- and you like to laugh while you learn -- this book is for you!
Buck up, buttercup - you're in for the flight of your life! If you know what's good for you, you'll stop goofing around and pay attention to How to Survive as a Firefly, or you might never make it to adulthood! How to Survive as a Firefly provides a unique take on insect science that will entertain and educate in and out of the classroom.
Full of opportunities for extended learning, this book includes fun facts hidden throughout the hilarious illustrated story - and after, a glossary of important terms and some real firefly photos. If you've ever wondered how these fascinating beetles grow and glow -- and you like to laugh while you learn -- this book is for you!
36 pages, Hardcover
Published August 29, 2017
4 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 26, 2017
(Review of digital preview copy from EdelweissPlus) This colorful book will definitely go onto my "want to buy" list when I make my library selections in the area of life science, specifically life cycles and complete metamorphosis which is a Texas 5th grade Science TEK. Science teachers and students will love the engaging illustrations and the unique way of presenting a myriad of science terms and concepts while also making the reader chuckle. The extra sidebars and factoids are great information and presented in a way that will encourage even the most reluctant reader to notice, read, and learn from them. Foote and Salcedo do a great job with this one.
September 27, 2017
HOW TO SURVIVE AS A FIREFLY is a humorous and informative book about fireflies. In essence, it is the story of an adult firefly lecturing larvae on what to expect. I honestly had no clue about the life cycle of a firefly before diving into this book and came away with an abundance of new knowledge. For instance, did you know that the light fireflies give off shines from their abdomen not their tail or bottom? In that area I give this book 5 Stars. My kids were also interested in the information and new words like "bio-luminescence."
Unfortunately, some of this awesome information gets lost on the pages that are more packed. The book has some very readable layouts and then others that are densely packed with extra facts and multiple speech bubbles. These are overwhelming both to the person reading aloud and to the young audience. This seems to get worse as you get to the end like suddenly they left like they were running out of room. At this point, the firefly who is nearing the end of his life is trying to get out the rest of his wisdom, which may be reflected in this crowded pacing, but I wish it had been conveyed differently if this was the intent.
To be clear, it is well written and humorously illustrated. If your child loves bugs or your class is learning about metamorphosis this is a good book to have on hand. My kids loved going back through it and reading the facts. The gooey pictures of real larvae at the back were also a particular hit. I just wish it was a little easier to share with a group aloud.
**Note: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion**
Unfortunately, some of this awesome information gets lost on the pages that are more packed. The book has some very readable layouts and then others that are densely packed with extra facts and multiple speech bubbles. These are overwhelming both to the person reading aloud and to the young audience. This seems to get worse as you get to the end like suddenly they left like they were running out of room. At this point, the firefly who is nearing the end of his life is trying to get out the rest of his wisdom, which may be reflected in this crowded pacing, but I wish it had been conveyed differently if this was the intent.
To be clear, it is well written and humorously illustrated. If your child loves bugs or your class is learning about metamorphosis this is a good book to have on hand. My kids loved going back through it and reading the facts. The gooey pictures of real larvae at the back were also a particular hit. I just wish it was a little easier to share with a group aloud.
**Note: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion**
November 28, 2017
How to Survive as a Firefly explains the brief, dynamic life of a firefly, and how its metamorphosis differs from other life cycles. The energetic narrative voice effectively conveys what author Kristen Foote wants readers to understand about the firefly—it lives fast, changes quickly, and doesn’t have time to relax. (This contrasts with how I experience fireflies as they seem to quietly twinkle off and on during lazy summer evenings!) The illustrations are comical, but the appearance of the narrator becomes a little repetitive. The animated tone of the narrative text carries through to the back matter, which may lead young readers to engage with those pages rather than skipping them.
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September 15, 2020Don't let the silly cartoon drawings, bug boot camp backdrop, and gruff firefly sergeant fool you. This book is amazingly informative and is as fun as it is educational. A glossary of terms, frequently asked questions, as well as real photos of the insect at various stages are included, adding to the book’s credibility. Perfect for curious kids and insect-lovers alike! For another similarly formulated title with less humor, try, Robins! How They Grow Up by Eileen Christelow.
February 3, 2022
An adult firefly with lots of attitude guides a group of firefly larvae from egg to adult. On most pages, a sidebar in an interesting detail that blends into the illustration adds a definition, fun fact, or labeled diagram. Fun FAQ and Author's Disclaimer act as back matter. A didactic presentation of a lot of information that works because of the humor.
February 19, 2018
Funny, interesting, and informative. I think kids will love this one. This is definitely a great "sneaky science" read and I would suggest it as a way to slip in some STEAM reads under the radar in or outside the classroom.
February 28, 2018
This is such a cute book for teaching kids about fireflies! I loved how it gives a lot of information in a fun story format! It's told from the perspective of the fireflies. We need more books like this one. Great for teaching science!
September 27, 2020
Sweet illustrations, strong voice, and humor combine to present a fact-filled look at the firefly's life cycle! This book should be in the home of every child (and adult) who has ever caught fireflies!
August 29, 2017
This is a silly, fun, cute story filled with facts about fireflies!
August 30, 2017
Interesting and engaging illustrations of firefly larvae carry this book as a drill sergeant adult firefly teaches the larvae about the firefly life cycle.
September 7, 2017
Good book for young kids to read to learn about fireflies (or lightning bugs, depending on where you live!). illustrations are comical and the info contained in the book is spot on.
May 9, 2018
5/8/18 Read with Naomi & Julia.
September 17, 2018
loved this book!
a little information heavy in one or two places but great otherwise.
a little information heavy in one or two places but great otherwise.
February 23, 2019
Hilarious non fiction all about fireflies. Clever use of a drill sergeant to teach the reader (and pupae) the firefly facts of life.
June 18, 2019
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
May 18, 2023
Funny and informative!
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April 30, 2019I think that this book would be good for middle to upper elementary students because it has some really complicated vocabulary behind it. It also is really informative about different fireflies and what each one does or has that is different than others. This book could be really difficult for some students to understand or follow because there is a lot going on in it. (assign 11)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews