Du Iz Tak?

A cast of insects — damselflies, beetles, and a pill bug named Icky — watches a tiny shoot grow into a plant, builds a tree fort in its branches, and faces something horrible that swoops down from above.

For the kid who invents secret languages and codes with siblings and friends, this book hands them a whole world spoken entirely in one.

• Big idea: Wonder doesn't need translation — curiosity and community speak for themselves, even in made-up words.
• Vibes: whimsical, hushed, a little eerie, endlessly re-readable

• love inventing their own words and languages
• enjoy puzzling out a story from pictures alone
• are curious about bugs, plants, and backyard nature
• like to return to the same book again and again, noticing something new

• Imagination: What do you think 'du iz tak' means? What clues from the pictures helped you guess?
• Story & problem-solving: How did Icky the pill bug help the beetles build their tree fort?
• Feelings & empathy: How do you think the bugs felt when the horrible thing swooped down?
• Real-life connection: Have you ever built a fort or a hideout with friends? What did you use to build it?
• Imagination: If you spoke your own made-up language like the bugs in this book, what would you name yourself?