Mr. Mosquito Put On His Tuxedo
GET READY FOR FUN!
When a dapper Mr. Mosquito arrives
at the Queen Bee’s ball,
little does he know that danger awaits . . .
and that his “talent” will make him a hero!
ILLUSTRATED BY PONDER GOEMBEL
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Published by Andrew Thiriot Books, 2022
Originally published by Holiday House (New York), 2009
Ages 4 - 8
“Everyone is a-buzz because the ball is about to begin! Mr. Mosquito, debonair in his top hat and tails, makes a grand entrance. Cockroaches, bedbugs, gnats and fleas – all are resplendent in Roaring Twenties attire. But wait. Eeeeeegad! What is that? An enormous bear is headed straight toward the party. Amidst the shrieking ladybugs and freaking fireflies, Mr. Mosquito gallantly steps forward, gathering his relatives and leading the charge: ‘Prepare! Point antennae! Deploy!/We swarm out tonight/ to drive BIG FEET from sight./ Are you ready? Get set. Go annoy!!!!’ Morrow’s staccato rhymes propel the story with a jaunty beat and inspire an exalted tone for a read-aloud – quite fitting for such an elegant occasion. . . . Goembel’s insects are impeccably precise, even while dripping in beads and feathers. Pair this gala with Dee Lillegard’s The Big Bug Ball (1999), illustrated by Rex Barron, and storytime will become the social event of the year. Six-legged black tie required.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Shivery fun.” – The Horn Book
“The rhymes are clever and the big ending . . . is an amusing surprise.” - Booklist
“The abundant and rhyming text is only half of this story; the illustrations tell the rest.” - School Library Journal
“It’s the mark of a good author when one of earth’s most unpopular insects can be made into a hero and actually have the reader cheering for it by the end of the book. This is what happens in Mr. Mosquito Put on His Tuxedo. . . . The rhyming text by Morrow is clever and upbeat. The colored ink with acrylic wash illustrations by Goembel are whimsical and wonderfully detailed. . . . Get this book and read it! A terrific read aloud for young children! - Willow Lane Reviews
* Recipient of the 2010 Juvenile Literary Award presented by the Friends of American Writers, which recognizes emerging Midwestern authors of juvenile and adult literature.
Check out Reader Reviews on Amazon. And please listen to Andrew Thiriot’s audio version of the book. Click below for a sample:
https://andrewthiriot.com/store/mr-mosquito-put-on-his-tuxedo-audiobook
Online Reviews of the Audiobook:
“Mr. Mosquito Put On His Tuxedo is a rhyming story, fluttering with whimsy, wit, and vivid langue. Told in a sumptuous British accent - perfect for the formal occasion and setting of the story - the narrative voice is engaging and captivating. Be prepared - Mr. Mosquito may bite you!”
“Andrew Thiriot puts a whimsical twist on Barbara Olenyik Morrow’s clever tale of Mr. Mosquito’s adventures at the ‘bug ball.’ The tale is brought to life by Mr. Thiriot’s lively narration as he gives voice to the many insects attending the party. Mr. Mosquito, when praised for his heroism after saving the day, humbly responds ‘Twas nothing . . . I like to annoy. It’s like play.’ Kids are sure to like this book, and adults will get a kick out of it too. Highly recommended!”
And Mr. Mosquito is available as a coloring book too!!!
So enjoy it in hardback and softback, as an audiobook and ebook - and as a coloring book.