The Bugliest Bug [Paperback]

Carol Diggory Shields (Author), Scott Nash (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 12, 2005 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

"A rollicking, tongue-in-cheek entree to the entomological world." —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

In this rousing read-aloud from the creators of SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE DINOSAUR STOMP, all of insect land is abuzz with news of a big contest! The demure Damselfly Dilly — "neither clever nor frilly" — has no thoughts of winning, but she's curious to see who will. Lively verse mixes fun, fancy, and fascinating fact, while exuberant artwork virtually flies off the page.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In a rollicking, tongue-in-cheek entree to the entomological world, Damselfly Dilly uncovers a plot by a group of sinister spiders who hold a "bugliest bug" contest and secretly plan to consume the credulous contestants. "A ladybug curtsied, tumblebugs flipped, The judges applauded, then licked their lips." The steady beat of the simple and often clever verse swiftly advances the predictable plot. Meanwhile, the almost fluorescent gouache and pencil illustrations put readers at the swamp-level action with close-ups of the pop-eyed cartoon insects, most portrayed with only four legs and comical humanoid expressions. Busy spreads aglow in yellow and orange buzz with animation, as humorous vignettes show each bug earnestly performing its talent (e.g., a trio of click bugs appears to doo-wop). Shields and Nash (previously paired for Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp) end the tale with a hurrah (stink-bug humor included), and readers will be cheered, although not surprised, to learn which bug is ultimately proclaimed "bugliest." Tear-out trading cards feature the book's stars with facts and lighthearted prose: "While most know him as Dung Beetle, Tumblebug prefers to be called the Original Pooper Scooper... (he just built and moved into a cozy ball of manure)." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

reSchool-Grade 2-A book with a kid-pleasing subject. Shields's humorous rhymes are paired with Nash's cartoon illustrations of bugs with pincers, antennae, and horns; spotted bugs; striped bugs; all with huge eyes. These swarms of insects are winging their way to the Bugliest Bug Contest. They are so busy showing off that they fail to notice what young Damselfly Dilly has spotted-the judges have wings tied to their backs. These impostors are arachnids in disguise and have arranged the contest in hopes of snaring a tasty meal. When the curtain drops, it's a web, but the contestants manage to escape via Dilly's stage directions. Each bug uses its strength to fight-the army ants march, the mantises pray, but in the end it's the stink bugs who save the day. And, of course, though Dilly is small and has no special talents to display, her heroic actions have earned her the title of the bugliest bug of them all.
Laurie Edwards, West Shore School District, Camp Hill, PA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (April 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763622931
• ISBN-13: 978-0763622930
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #615,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very fun. My 3 year old son loves it., April 18, 2002

By 

Todd M. Patten "PhotoMan" (Somersworth, NH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bugliest Bug (Hardcover)

I stumbled upon this book while doing some lunchtime shopping in a kids book store in Portsmouth, NH. The owner highly recommended it. I brought it back to my office and started to read through it. My chuckling outloud caused my colleagues around me to look at me funny :)

The story of an introverted bug turned hero flows from page to page with a cadence that keeps the attention of both child and parent. There are amusing quips that make parents grin and their kids smile while wondering what's so funny ("the mantysis prayed" is a simple but amusing phrase given the context). At the same time, there's plenty of humor and excitement that the child will understand and enjoy.

Beyond the written word, the illustrations are amazingly colorful and fun. The pages have a depth to them that need to be seen to understand.

My son loves all the bugs and asks questions about nearly every one. It has quickly become a bedtime staple. Highly recommend. A welcome diversion from Bob the Builder and Arthur!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best bug story around!!!, March 23, 2002

By 

Susan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bugliest Bug (Hardcover)

This is such a fantastic book-I cannot rave enough!! It is a story of a bug contest to determine which bug is the "bugliest" of them all. Of course Dilly, our heroine, is filled with self-doubt and low esteem but she attends anyway. Well, she proceeds to save the day but I won't reveal how it ends.

The story is a great learning tool about the different types of insects and their characteristics. Moreoever, it is filled with self-esteem and basic character education.

In the back of the book, you get free bug trading cards loaded with information on the various insects featured in the story. This book is thoroughly entertaining and educationally sound!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bug Lovers Rejoice!!, October 19, 2003

By 

Judy (Mount Ayr, IA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bugliest Bug (Hardcover)

Bugs galore fill this playful fantasy. Set in the undergrowth world of insects, the bugs decide to hold a contest to determine the bugliest bug. During the contest the insects are acknowledged for their particular attributes by the judges who turn out to be arachnids in disguise. The arachnids have ensnared the bug "snacks" in their web when Dilly Damselfly comes to the rescue. Dilly reminds the bugs that the only way to save themselves is to do what they do best. "The army ants marched and the mantises prayed...Then the stink bugs united, gave off their worst smells. 'P.U., we give up!' the spiders all yelled." In the predictable, but satisfying ending, Dilly is proclaimed "the bugliest bug of us all!"
Nash's colorful, cartoonish illustrations are paired perfectly with Shields' delightful, rhyming text. The bugs have distinct personalities and characteristics which are cleverly portrayed in word and art. The illustrations virtually fly off the pages as the insects are described in humorous vignettes in which they perform their particualar talent.
The added bonus of tear-out trading cards will delight young readers. Each card features one of the book's colorful characters, with a clever anecdote and a simple scientific synopsis.
This is a great book for bug lovers of all ages, but particularly those ages 4-8.