Soar High, Dragonfly (Hardcover)

2020 American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Book Award, Long-list Dragonflies are some the world's most beautiful (and fascinating!) insects. And one many children can find right in their backyards! With a simple story, perfect for read-alouds, and colorful illustrations, this scientific look at a dragonfly's life-cycle will captivate little entomologists. Informative sidebars are included that let children learn even more about these amazing insects.

American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Book Award, Long-listed, 2020

Booklist

This lovely tribute to dragonflies features two simultaneous narratives. One, probably intended for younger readers but sure to be enjoyed by all, is a bouncy, rhythmic flow of basic facts that appear in oversize, multicolor fonts, popping with onomatopoetic expressions that complement the titular refrain (“Soar high, dragonfly!”). The additional story line takes the form of short informational paragraphs that appear in a sober, smaller font, best suited to slightly older aspiring entomologists. The text follows the insect’s life cycle, from egg to nymph to full-grown dragonfly, providing a substantial amount of information in relatively few pages. The attractive collage illustrations fill the pages with bright color, effectively complementing details highlighted in both narratives. The singsong text begs to be read aloud, and the striking illustrations, reminiscent of Eric Carle’s critters, propel the action. This enjoyable offering from the team responsible for Good Trick, Walking Stick (2016) will make a handsome addition to school and public library collections.

School Library Journal

VERDICT This title could be used on many levels: very young audiences will enjoy as a picture book, while budding scientists will appreciate the narrative and informational text together. An excellent addition.

Kirkus Reviews

A circular account of a dragonfly’s life span told simultaneously as a narrative and a collection of scientific facts. The creative duo behind Good Trick, Walking Stick (2016) returns to the insect world. Readers follow the life cycle of a green darner dragonfly, from its mother laying eggs to fertilizing its own before leaving to “find warmer days” elsewhere. The primary text, set in a relatively large font, relates the development of a particular dragonfly in a preschool-friendly manner with simple sentences, sound effects, and a rhythmic refrain—"Oh my, a baby dragonfly!"—that varies the first few syllables with each repetition. Supplementary text is in smaller, multicolored type and gives a factual description of the species, complete with vocabulary definitions and fourth-wall-breaking questions to encourage inquisitive thought: “Do you think that the nymph looks like a dragonfly?” Blocks of this text are tucked into the corners of spreads, so younger readers can choose to skim them over while older or inquisitive readers can learn more about the natural world. Unfortunately, there is no informative backmatter to further help them on their way. Lambert places marbled colors à la Eric Carle against a plain, mostly white background. The result is a rich vibrancy that makes the book and its insect protagonist delightfully attractive. Dynamic colors and textual versatility make for a quality nonfiction read.