New Book to Teach Children about Spotted Lanternfly

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State Extension Master Gardeners have released a new children’s book designed to educate children about the invasive spotted lanternfly, which has wreaked havoc in landscapes across Pennsylvania and beyond.

“Lucky and the Spotted Lanternfly” introduces young readers to Lucky, a real-life German shepherd with a super sniffer, trained to detect spotted lanternfly egg masses. Written for children in grades K-3, the book showcases Lucky’s role in protecting Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

Lucky, the first dog in the United States trained to detect spotted lanternfly eggs, works alongside her handler, Shane Phillips, for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Trained at the University of Pennsylvania’s PennVet Working Dog Center, Lucky inspects nurseries, greenhouses, vehicles and log yards to locate and prevent the spread of the destructive pest.

The book’s creation was a collaborative effort by the Growing Gardeners committee, which includes Master Gardener county coordinators and volunteers dedicated to youth programming. Authors Kinorea Tigri, Janet Bauman, Cindy VanDruff, Lesa Schultz, Lee Bognar and Jill Baer worked with illustrator Amber Williams to bring Lucky’s story to life.

“During Covid, we learned about a German shepherd being trained to sniff out spotted lanternfly egg masses,” said Tigri, who coordinates the Master Gardener program in Mercer County. “We kept the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed every step of the way. They reviewed and approved the book and were excited about it.”

The book narrates Lucky’s journey from puppyhood to her training and the work she does today. Readers follow along as Lucky sniffs out egg masses on cars, picnic tables and other items. The story gives children practical knowledge they can use at home.

“When kids are out playing and spot an egg mass, they can tell their parents, who can scrape it off and report it,” Tigri said.

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect native to Asia, has posed a significant threat to Pennsylvania since its detection in 2014. The pest feeds on more than 100 types of plants, including grapevines, fruit trees and hardwoods, threatening the state’s agriculture and forest products industries.

“It’s a very invasive pest,” Tigri said. “Spotted lanternflies reproduce rapidly and cause severe stress to plants.”

One of the goals of “Lucky and the Spotted Lanternfly” is to empower children to become active participants in environmental protection.

“We wanted to think outside the box,” Tigri said. “By creating this book, we’ve found a fresh way to reach kids and their families.”

“Lucky and the Spotted Lanternfly,” which costs $15, can be purchased HERE.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.