
A parent might reach for this book when their child expresses fear or disgust towards common insects, exclaiming 'yuck!' at the sight of a spider or a worm. This classic collection of twenty clever poems introduces children to the less-loved members of the insect world, like slugs, maggots, and grubs, in a humorous and appreciative light. Through delightful rhymes and wordplay, the book gently encourages a shift in perspective from revulsion to curiosity and empathy. It’s perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids, helping to foster a sense of wonder and kindness for all creatures, no matter how small or strange.
None. The book is entirely focused on nature appreciation and does not contain any sensitive content.
A 4 to 7-year-old who is curious about the outdoors but has a reflexive 'eww' reaction to bugs. It is also perfect for a child who loves language, rhythm, and rhyme, and is ready for poetry that is both silly and smart.
No preparation is needed. This book can be read cold. A parent might want to be ready to look up real pictures of some of the insects if the child becomes curious, as the illustrations are artistic rather than scientifically detailed. A parent hears their child say, "Ugh, a bug! Step on it!" or sees them run away from a harmless garden creature. The parent wants to instill a sense of kindness and scientific curiosity instead of fear or disgust.
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Sign in to write a reviewA younger child (4-5) will connect with the rhythm and rhymes and the overall message of being kind to bugs. They will enjoy the sound of the words. An older child (6-8) will better appreciate the clever wordplay, puns, and the underlying ecological purpose of some of the creatures (like the maggot 'tidying up'). They might be inspired to do further research.
Compared to modern, photo-heavy nonfiction bug books, this 1979 classic uses poetry and art to build an emotional connection and empathy first, before focusing on facts. Its specific focus on traditionally 'gross' bugs like maggots, fleas, and slugs is unique and makes its message of universal appreciation particularly powerful.
This is a collection of twenty short poems, each dedicated to a specific, often-unloved insect or invertebrate. Creatures like the slug, maggot, fly, grub, flea, and earwig are given their own celebratory verse. The poems use humor, clever wordplay, and rhythmic language to highlight a positive or interesting quality of each creature, reframing them not as pests, but as fascinating parts of the natural world.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.