Ellen Lawrence

A Periodical Cicada's Life Ellen Lawrence

One spring evening in a forest, a young child watches as millions of periodical cicada nymphs emerge from the ground. She decides to observe these long-lived insects and record what happens to them in a diary. Readers will follow along as the narrator sees the nymphs become adults, swarm together, lay eggs, and eventually die. All the details of the insect’s lives are eagerly explored, including the moment the new cicada eggs hatch and begin their 17-year life cycle! Colorful photos and clear, age-appropriate text will engage young readers as they explore the life cycle, natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, and behavior of these fascinating insects. The diary format models scientific observation and critical thinking—and encourages children to keep notebooks recording their own investigations into the natural world.