Module 9: Ace Lacewing: Bug Detective

Ace Lacewing: Bug Detective by David Biedrzycki

Book Cover Image:

Book Summary:

Ace Lacewing, a grasshopper private eye is enlisted by the Mayor and police department of Motham City to help find and rescue kidnapped Queenie Bee.  Ace follows a trail of suspicious honey at the crime scene, but is ambushed.  Rescued by his girlfriend, Doctor Xerces Blue, Ace and Sergeant Zito question the usual suspects.  An informant tip leads Ace to Queenie Bee’s competitor Drone Honeyworks, where Queenie is being held by an unexpected villainess.         

APA Reference of Book:

Biedrzycki, D. (2005). Ace Lacewing: Bug detective. Massachusetts: Charlesbridge. 

Impressions:

Ace Lacewing: Bug Detective is a surprisingly clever parody of the old-fashion private eye/ detective mysteries, but with insects.  The author, David Biedrizycki pulls out every possible play on words and corny insect joke to delight the reader.  My favorite was when Sergeant Zito states “…none of them [witnesses] are talking except this little maggot” because their witness is, in fact, a maggot.  There are interesting bug facts scattered throughout the book that got my own investigative instincts flowing and inspired me to do a little online research to find out if some of the bugs depicted were real creatures; I’m sure it will do the same for younger readers, especially boys who will enjoy learning more about the mentioned creepy crawlies.  Additionally, the computer-colored illustrations create an eye-catching, stylized look that is sure to appeal to the elementary audience.

Professional Review:

School Library Journal

“Motham City is abuzz with the kidnapping of Queenie Bee, and Ace Lacewing, the Sam Spade of insects, is on the case. His motto is, "Bad bugs are my business." Lacewing follows the trail of honey with the help of his gal, Doctor Xerces Blue, and Sergeant Zito, a mosquito. A motley (and sometimes molting) assortment of suspects is questioned. Their character traits are based on facts: "The roaches said of course they ran from the scene of the crime-it was their nature to scatter when the lights go on." Puns and wordplay abound: "I've known him ever since we were pupae at the same school"; "The full moon hung in the sky like a large compound eye...." The digitally enhanced illustrations evoke a film noir atmosphere, with moody blue and black backgrounds. The pages are also brimming with humorous details such as glowworm street lamps, "Bug Off" police tape, and "Slow Larvae" road signs. This clever parody of hard-boiled detective stories is sure to tickle readers' thorax.”

Ludke, L. (2005, August). [Review of the book Ace Lacewing: Bug Detective, by D. Biedrzycki].  School Library Journal, (51)8, 85. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/

Library Uses:

Elementary School Library

Ace Lacewing: Bug Detective is swarming with interesting bug facts; librarians can use this humorous fiction book to launch a short science lesson on various insects like bees, grasshoppers, mosquitoes, moths, maggots, and bombardier beetles.  Simply pair the book illustrations with actual photos of various bug species to grab the students’ attention.  To extend the lesson, the librarian can enlist the science teacher’s help in conducting a bug search field trip on the school playground.