UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension Master Gardeners have released a new children’s book designed to educate youngsters 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 unique 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 this 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 kids 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 noted.
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.”
Master Gardeners play a crucial role in combating the spread of spotted lanternflies through education and outreach. “We give presentations, answer hotline calls and explain how to prevent the spread,” Tigri said.
One of the goals of “Lucky and the Spotted Lanternfly” is to empower children to become active participants in environmental protection. Children are natural messengers, sharing new information they learn with their friends and family. That ripple effect can make a real difference in spreading awareness, Tigri explained.
The book already has garnered positive feedback. At a recent “Meet the Authors” event in Centre County, children enthusiastically participated in activities such as following a trail of spotted lanternfly cutouts to a life-sized Lucky cutout. Lucky also has been a hit at events such as Penn State’s Ag Progress Days and the Pennsylvania Farm Show, drawing excitement from children who wanted to take pictures with her.
Libraries already are requesting copies, and the Master Gardeners plan to include a custom label in donated books. The label will feature Lucky’s illustration, her “paw print of approval,” and the Penn State Extension website to direct readers to more resources.
The release of “Lucky and the Spotted Lanternfly” marks a new chapter in spotted lanternfly education, Tigri noted.
“We wanted to think outside the box,” she said. “By creating this book, we’ve found a fresh way to reach kids and their families.”
As spotted lanternfly egg-laying season continues through November, Lucky remains busy, and so do the Master Gardeners. During the spotted lanternfly season, Master Gardeners attend meetings every two weeks to stay updated and adjust their educational programming as needed.
Priced at $15, “Lucky and the Spotted Lanternfly” is available through Penn State Extension’s website.