“DeDonato has Pipsie follow some essential steps for scientific inquiry: firsthand inspection for clues followed by consultation with an expert in the field (the zoo man with the badge). –– School Library Journal   Review June 1, 2015

School Library Journal Review: Pipsie Nature Detective

PreS-Gr 1—Pipsie is a nature-loving girl, who, accompanied by her sidekick Alfred Z. Turtle, befriends a baby caterpillar named Frannie. When Frannie mysteriously disappears, Pipsie zealously relies on her keen detective skills to find her. From a chewed-up milkweed leaf to dangly chrysalis to monarch butterfly, Pipsie and Alfred eventually reunite with their friend, who is now blessed with newfound wings. Due to a job well done, mystery successfully becomes history. While some readers may already know what happens to the missing caterpillar before the story even begins, there’s solid information about metamorphosis to be gleaned from the fictional narrative. Additional fun facts are presented at the end of the book. Bishop’s bright, cheerful illustrations capture Pipsie’s earnest joy in her scientific quest. This is further enhanced by her silly sidekick, Alfred Turtle, who is more interested in gulping down clues for lunch than getting the job done. DeDonato has Pipsie follow some essential steps for scientific inquiry: firsthand inspection for clues followed by consultation with an expert in the field (the zoo man with the badge). The ideal follow-up lesson would be a similar hunt for caterpillars and/or other natural wonders. VERDICT A cute, acceptable choice to pair with nonfiction books on the life cycle of a butterfly.—Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY