The Dragonfly Defense (Battle Bugs)

Max Darwin is at Camp Greenwood, but hoping for a summons to Bug Island he secretly checks his book “The Complete Encyclopedia of Arthropods”. In “Battle Bugs: The Dragonfly Defense”, Max follows a dragonfly and, upon discovering the Encyclopedia is glowing, returns to the island.Jack Patton provides enough information about the Battle Bugs series throughout this book to allow those who have not been following the Battle Bugs and Max Darwin to understand and enjoy the book. Through the magic contained in his book “The Complete Encyclopedia of Arthropods”, Max is able to shrink to bug-size and appear on Bug Island. The ingenious boy again assists the bugs in defeating the latest group of their villainous reptile foes - alligators. In the continuing attempts to overtake Bug Island, General Longtooth has taken the defeated General Komodo’s place as reptile commander. He uses his troops of alligators to invade the island that was thought secure after the land bridge between Reptile Island and Bug Island was destroyed.In “Battle Bugs: The Dragonfly Defense”, well developed bug characters have likeable personalities, but are not as distinct or engaging as in previous books. The humorous names and conversations that marked previous books in the series were not prevalent. Nevertheless, Jack Patton is a clever author who knows how to engage young readers. Imbuing the bugs with human characteristics, yet allowing them to remain “buggy” makes them appealing. The battle scenes are exciting and suspenseful – young readers and listeners immerse themselves in the action on Bug Island.Patton also slips interesting, educational facts and observations into the text so subtly that they become part of the story and a reader learns something without knowing their knowledge is increasing. Highlighting two “real life battle bugs” – the Australian Emperor Dragonfly and the Goliath Beetle – at the conclusion of the story strengthen the educational value of this work. The vocabulary used in “Battle Bugs: The Dragonfly Defense” is not simplistic and adds another valuable facet to the story. Brett Bean’s numerous, detailed Illustrations increase this book’s appeal for younger readers and for youngsters to whom you may be reading.Each offering of the Battle Bugs books is excellent and “Battle Bugs: The Dragonfly Defense” is no exception. It is exciting and the story flows smoothly and logically. It is an interesting story and, for the target audience, the situations are suspenseful. My grandson loves the Battle Bugs series; he has eagerly been asking whether there are more of these books to come. He is now reading these books on his own. The short chapters and interesting situations provide just enough challenge for him, but also give him the comfort of familiar characters so that he is eager to read the books.

My 7 year old loves these books and he reads them constantly.As long as he's reading, I am happy. The books are mild and age appropriate.

My son wanted the entire series for his bday. I have skimmed the book and he is glued and says that they are very adventurous. Gets his imagination going!

My son loves these books and has every last one that has been released. He stalkes amazon waiting for the next release date. Great books for kids, definitely keeps my kid reading. If your kid is into bugs, they will love theses books

Awesome series, my son can't wait for the next one.

my grandson loved it

My grandson loves this whole series. I would highly recommend them.

:)

My son loves the Battle Bugs series. This was a welcome addition to his collection for his birthday!

My son love these books and this is another in the serie...will be buying more

Loves the book