Through the lens of a charismatic cartoon ant born into a colony of realistically rendered leafcutter ants, biologist and cartoonist Hosler (The Way of the Hive) highlights entomological wonders and examines how humans seek to understand nature through storytelling in this informative and danger-filled graphic novel. As the only talking ant in the colony, Rubi passes the time in her subterranean agricultural palace by telling stories to silent worker ants chopping leaves for their fungus garden, a food source and

Gr 3–7— Meet Rubi, "a cartoon ant who was born into a colony of real leaf-cutter ants." As the only cartoon ant in the colony, Rubi is the only one who speaks. She describes the colony to readers, explaining how the ants grow food underground, communicate with smells, and other incredible facts. When the ants go out to gather leaves, Rubi continues to describe their abilities and daily activities, as well as pointing out the dangers lurking outside the anthill. Once Rubi meets Miranda, who also talks, they have one adventure after another, avoiding all those dangers. The illustrations make it easy to distinguish Rubi and Miranda from the other insects. Changes in perspective give the story a cinematic feel as some panels zoom in for dialogue between two characters while others pull back to give a wide-angle view of the action. The endless stories that Rubi tells to make life in the anthill more interesting and to explain things to Miranda also share important information with readers in an entertaining way. Students will laugh out loud while learning amazing facts. VERDICT A captivating look at ants that is also a story of learning to be a true friend; great for future entomologists, graphic novel readers, and those who love buddy narratives.— Suzanne Costner