Mary Ann
Betsy James
Paperback
(Harcourt Brace & Company, March 15, 1994)
Mary Ann and Amy are best friends. When Mary Ann moves away, Amy is sad. But she does find a new friend. This one prefers crickets to banana-marshmallow pancakes and ferns to clubhouses. The new friend is a praying mantis. Amy names the mantis Mary Ann, after her old playmate, and keeps her in a comfortable terrarium home. Then springtime brings Amy a wish-fulfilling surprise, a last and parting gift from her insect friend. Combining science with good storytelling, this book is about friendship and overcoming the sadness of losing a pal. It also gives good, practical advice about caring for insects.
K