The Mosquito Brothers

Dinnn Needles and his 400 mosquito siblings survive rainstorms, dragonfly attacks, and more as they travel from their home at an urban drive-in movie theater to the country and back. Despite references to mosquitos' short life spans and other trivia, Ondaatje keeps the actual bloodsucking and insect mortality to a minimum, focusing on Dinnn's initial fear of flight and on his large family's light misadventures, including accidental separations and teary reunions. Salcedo's goofy caricatures of furry, needle-nose mosquitos feel somewhat at odds with the more poignant moments in Dinnn's story, which has a few too many conveniences and moments of sidestepped logic (it's hard to imagine minivan occupants who don't notice several hundred mosquitos along for the ride) for Dinnn's successes to truly feel triumphant. Ages 7%E2%80%939. Author's agent: Ellen Levine, Trident Media Group. Illustrator's agency: Advocate Art. (May)