There's trouble in Motham City, and Ace Lacewing--the Sam Spade of insects--is on the case. This parody of hard-boiled detective stories features bug facts and puns ("we were pupae at the same school") but is so long-winded that readers probably won't learn anything or care who kidnapped Queenie Bee. The dark, digitally colored art is only slightly creepy.

Gr 2-5 It's too hot for basketball, so Luke and his friends decide to play war. As the sides separate to prepare for battle, newcomer Sameer is reluctant to play and leaves the game. The following day, he explains that he was in a real war before he moved to the United States. His house was blown up and his family was killed. The children, saddened by his story, go back to basketball. Beckwith's missionto show children that war is bad and hurts peopleoverpowers the story. The strength here is Lyon's watercolor illustrations in summer greens, golden yellows, and coppery browns that evoke the heat of warm days spent with friends. A supplemental purchase. Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA