Nonfiction Monday

Cicada Symphony by Sue Fliess with illustrations by Gareth Lucas is a lovely melding of fact and fun as she traces the cicada lifecycle. 

Fliess was inspired by personal experience after having been witness to Brood X and was particularly interested by the cicada’s song. Her fascination comes through on every page as she invites her readers to share her delight in these amazing little creatures.

There are some 3,000 species worldwide. Most emerge annually, but there are a few species living in North America who live a thirteen to seventeen year cycle like Brood X. Fleiss channels her rare opportunity into an instructive book that is also an entertaining read.

The clever rhyming narrative describes the activation of underground nymphs to the life of adults then concludes with the laying of eggs that hatch to release new nymphs to burrow into the ground to begin the cycle anew. The lyrical rhythm is supported by multiple text boxes that offer additional detail.

Lucas uses strong line and vivid color to highlight each moment of the process in eye-catching detail.

Cicada Symphony concludes with a Glossary, Author’s Note, labeled cicada anatomy, and further reading in Children’s Reference Books.

Recommended for all young naturalists.