Best Bug to Be, The - Hardcover

Johnson, Claire M.

3.17

6 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0027478424 ISBN 13: 9780027478426

Publisher: Atheneum, 1992

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Kelly is disappointed when she is cast as a bumble bee in the school play but works hard on her buzzing and surprises everyone when she steals the show.

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From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- A story about coping with disappointment and turning it into tri: umph. Kelly, a self-assured child, solicits her teacher for the leading role in the class play. After all, she can sing and dance, and ``. . . even sing and dance together.'' Naturally, Kelly is devastated to learn that she has been cast as a bumblebee. Her responsive and caring parents listen to her concerns and encourage her to practice her part. In spite of a few mishaps, the play goes on and the bumblebees dance; Kelly's performance draws the loudest applause. The African-American protagonist, Hispanic teacher, and ethnically diverse students weave an original story with universal appeal. The emotion and mood of Johnson's characters are captured in the vibrant watercolor illustrations. As in her books What Will Mommy Do When I'm at School? (1990) and What Kind of Baby-Sitter Is This? (1991, both Macmillan), Johnson taps into children's feelings and provides a warm, gentle, and reassuring message. --Barbara Osborne Williams, Queens Borough Public Library, Jamaica, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Johnson's latest picture book demonstrates that the show must go on--even if one doesn't get the leading role. An overzealous Kelly confidently volunteers her singing and dancing skills for the school play, but to her great dismay she lands only the part of a bumblebee. While ladybugs, toads and the Queen of the Butterflies rehearse all around her, Kelly's parents help the girl realize her own special talent for being a good bee. Humility and hard work prove potent elixirs as Kelly's smile and a buzz that's "right on key" win the loudest applause on opening night. Johnson's straightforward text, though a bit didactic, stresses an important credo: "always do your best." Children will empathize with Kelly's emotional ups and downs and take heart in the happy ending. Johnson's watercolors convey plenty of warmth, but many are stiffly rendered and perhaps too similar in composition and perspective. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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