cover image A Season to Bee

A Season to Bee

Carlos Aponte. Price Stern Sloan, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-101-99570-9

Fashion week comes to the meadow in this exuberant exploration of colors and self-expression from fashion illustrator Aponte. Smartphone-wielding, chunky-shoe-clad bugs flock to a fashion show to see the latest styles and to talk trends with Miss V. McQueen, editor of Buzz magazine: “ ‘What should we wear?’ ask the six-legged press./ ‘Who should we follow and how should we dress?’ ” McQueen offers a literal rainbow of suggestions, and readers get a front-row seat as insect models strut the catwalk, surrounded by flashing cameras and eager attendees (adult fashionistas may notice insect cameos from the likes of Anna Wintour and Bill Cunningham). “Feel light, like the clouds in the sky... wear white!” writes Aponte as fireflies walk the runway in translucent ponchos that catch the glow of their bioluminescent bodies. But whatever color, designer, or style one prefers, Miss V. emphasizes that “the most important thing to bee is... you!” Aponte’s jaunty rhymes get the job done, but the book’s real pleasures come from poring over the fanciful details of his arthropod couture creations, which feature as many boots, sleeves, and gloves as their wearers’ bodies require. Ages 3–5. (Jan.)