Lissa Loves Bugs

Gr 2-5–In this first installment of the “Wonder Lens Friends” series, nature-lover Lissa has a fondness for bugs. This particular summer of turning nine years old is extra special; on her birthday, she discovers a new type of bug in her capacious backyard. Also grabbing her attention is a mysterious wooden box that she finds after following a firefly into her attic. Inside lies a magic magnifying glass that glows and provides facts about every object it hovers over—“an overstuffed secret with a halo,” as Lissa describes it. When the firefly returns later on, it brings some synchronous friends to signal to Lissa that they need her help! Accompanied by her inquisitive pals and helpful grandmother, Lissa tries to solve a big mystery; but will it be too late to save the fireflies? Black-and-white drawings complement the themes of the story, with close-up details of bugs and adventurous girls eager to protect their shimmering fireflies from other crawlers and harmful chemicals, all while using their research at the library for an important cause.