Ace Lacewing, Bug Detective

Module 8, SLIS 5420

Summary

Ace Lacewing is a private investigator in the City of Motham. Mayor Buzzbee asks him to investigate the disappearance of Queenie Bee, a major town celebrity who endorses the products of the Hive Rise Honey Company. Ace follows a suspicious trail of warm honey from the scene of her apparent kidnapping to the factory of a honey-producing rival. What is going on here? Can Ace and his friends Dr. Xerces Blue and Sergeant Zito the mosquito solve the mystery and save Queenie?

Bibliographic Information

Biedrzycki, David. Ace Lacewing, Bug Detective. Charlesbridge, 2005. ISBN: 1-57091-569-5

My Thoughts

This picture book is beautifully illustrated, done in pencil and then colored using Photoshop. There is remarkable detail and little nuggets of humorous information imbedded in the art, such as through neon signs in the background and newspaper articles in the foreground. The latter might be seen in newspaper dispensing machines or in the hands of insect readers. Ace is the kind of detective who charges into danger without thinking about the consequences and Xerces has to save him from his enthusiasm. This is a nice introduction to mysteries for a younger reader. Along the way, the reader might also learn something about different types of insects.

Reviews

Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. When Queenie Bee, of Hive Rise Honey, goes missing, Motham City is abuzz. Tough P.I. Ace Lacewing (Bad bugs are my business ) is on the case. Red herrings (mosquitoes, maggots, and walkingsticks in this case) abound, all with different stories, but the trench-coat-and--fedora-clad detective remains undaunted, sleuthing his way through the clues until a sticky surprise revelation. Biedrzycki ( The Beetle Alphabet Book, 2003) makes his debut as an author here, and although his story is sometimes text heavy, it's filled with snappy dialogue, wordplay, and puns that will especially appeal to kids with some knowledge of insects (words such as pupae are used). The slick, computer-assisted art has a cartoon flair; and its shadowy backgrounds have a noir flavor. Biedrzycki uses occasional pops of primary color and an array of perspectives and witty detail to add interest. Entertaining fare for those who appreciate creepy crawlies on the humorous side, this will attract both good readers and fans of seek-and-find books.
Rosenfeld, Shelle. Booklist. September 1, 2005.

Gr 1-4-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, Linda. School Library Journal. August 1, 2005.

Awards

North Carolina Children's Book Award (Nominated)

Suggestions for Use in Library

A teacher or librarian may use this book to work with children on identifying different types of insects, as there are many species used in the illustrations. Another use might be to identify different activities that various bugs are engaged in.