My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis

Get a bug's-eye-view on the life cycle of the praying mantis, in this hilarious, scientifically accurate Nature Diary following an insect through her whole summer.

Finalist for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books

May 17: I was born today It's a beautiful, sunny spring day

This is the diary of P. Mantis, one of 150 brothers and sisters born on a garden bush. P. Mantis is an amazing bug: she can make herself look like a stick to hide from predators, she can swivel her head all the way around, and when she's grown up she'll even be able to fly

In dated journal entries P. Mantis describes the entirety of her life, sharing the fun and beauty of her world as well its little ups and downs (I ate one of my brothers. Okay, maybe two). Colorful, bold art helps illustrate the different stages of the mantis life cycle, and the engaging, narrative text is paired with more detailed information about praying mantises on the heavily-illustrated endpapers.

Washington Children's Choice Book Award 2019 Nominee
A New York Public Library Staff Pick for Children


Don't miss the other hilarious entries in The Nature Diary Series

Each one explores the life cycle of an animal in dated journal entries, showing young readers how they grow and change through the seasons-- and offering a few laughs, too Brightly illustrated and vetted by experts, Paul Meisel's books are a perfect introduction to your backyard neighbors.

My Happy Year by E. Bluebird
A Junior Library Guild Selection

My Stinky Summer by S. Bug
A Junior Library Guild Selection

Author: Paul Meisel
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 02/28/2017
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 11.10h x 9.30w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780823436712
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.1
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 187737 / My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2017
Booklist 03/01/2017 pg. 56
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2017 pg. 120
School Library Journal 05/01/2017

About the Author
Paul Meisel is the author and illustrator of two Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Honor books, See Me Run and I See a Cat, both I Like to Read(R) books. He is also author and illustrator of See Me Dig, a Kirkus Reviews Best Book and See Me Play, also I Like to Read(R) books. He has written and illustrated nonfiction in the Nature Diary series: My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis (AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books Finalist, Science Best Books for Curious Kids, Virginia Readers' Choice) and My Happy Year by E. Bluebird (a JLG selection). The Schmutzy Family, written by Marilyn Rosenberg and illustrated by Paul Meisel, was a National Jewish Book Award Finalist. Paul lives in Connecticut.