How to Walk an Ant
Written and illustrated by Cindy Derby
Roaring Brook Press, 2019
Cindy Derby, Roaring Brook Press, and KidLit411 gifted me with a copy of How to Walk an Ant. Thank you for such a delightful book!
Opening lines:
“My name is Amariyah, and I am an Expert Walker.
No, I don’t mean I walk perfect,
I mean I walk things.”
Amazon Blurb:
There are nine steps to becoming an ant walker, and Amariyah, the expert ant walker, is here to show you how it’s done.
This irreverent and quirky picture book, How to Walk an Ant, follows a young girl as she goes through the process of walking ants, from polite introductions to tragic leash entanglements.
In the end, this unique book from author-illustrator Cindy Derby shows that as long as you’re doing what you’re best at, you may find a like-minded friend to tag along.
*Zero ants were harmed in the making of this book.
**Oops, 7 ants were harmed in the making of this book.
Why I Like This Book:
Quirky and irreverent is correct! I loved reading about Amariyah and her efforts to educate me in the best ways to walk ants (always carry plenty of thread, …). The illustrations perfectly match the story and I had to laugh loud and giggle to myself several times as I read. Seriously, which picture book do you know where FUNERAL plans are a part of the appendix?
The writing is clear and entertaining. Amariyah has a unique voice and I love her personality and adventures. A limited palette for the illustrations allows images to pop into life. Add diagrams and insets, and anyone who reads How to Walk an Ant will quickly reach expert level. This book is a fun read.
Spring is here, the best time to practice walking newly emerged ants. Read How to Walk an Ant and then head outside to practice walking ants.
KID KANDY:
Ants on a Log
Ingredients: celery, peanut butter (or other nut butter if you can’t eat peanuts), raisins
4 Steps to Eating Ants
1. With an adult, wash and cut celery sticks into 3-4 inch pieces
2. Spread peanut butter in the celery (log) trough.
3. Plop ants (raisins) on the peanut butter.
4. Eat ants on a log. Now you are an expert eater of ants.
Love, Laughter, and Life 