Title: How to Walk an Ant
Author & Illustrator: Cindy Derby
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, March 2019
Ages: 3-7
Themes: ants, walking animals, humor, expertise, bonding over activities
Opening:
My name is Amariyah,
and I am an Expert Walker.
No, I don’t mean I walk perfect,
I mean I walk things.
Synopsis:
There are nine steps to becoming an ant walker, and Amariyah, the expert ant walker, is here to show you how it’s done.
This irreverent and quirky picture book follows a young girl as she goes through the process of walking ants, from polite introductions to tragic leash entanglements.
In the end, this unique book shows that as long as you’re doing what you’re best at, you may find a like-minded friend to tag along.
*Zero ants were harmed in the making of this book.
**Oops, 7 ants were harmed in the making of this book
Why I like this book:
Ants need exercise too, and that’s why our young expert, Amariyah, does such a detailed and splendid job of introducing us to a nine-step plan to the intricacies, pitfalls and joys of becoming a proficient walker of an ant (or thousands). All this information can even be transferred to walking other species like, ladybugs. So really you are getting a double bang for your buck with this beginner’s guide. Not to mention that you’ll be rolling around laughing at the same time. But just mind where you roll, please.
The predominantly grey/black palette with splashes of color (except that glorious wild middle spread) and the loose style add to the humor and make every page pop.
This is a terrific debut and watch out for any national ant-walking movements once this hits the shelves.
Activities/resources:
The terrific Seven Impossible Things before Breakfast had a terrific interview with Cindy last Friday.
DO NOT miss the glossary and two appendices: How to Conduct a Funeral and Ant Anatomy
Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and/or activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found sorted alphabetically and by topics, here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Oh my, this appeals to my love of the absurd in such a wonderful way. The illustrations alone are worth the price of the book. Can’t wait to find and read this! Thanks for the rec, Joanna.
Yes, absurd, quirky and wonderful humor.
Ideas, like ants, truly are everywhere! This sounds like such a fun picture book, sure to appeal to kids and ant lovers of all ages.
haha, love your response!
Well, this is different…and different is very often a good thing, as in this book. 😀 I love the illustrations, lots to see and discover on one page!