Ugh! a Bug [Hardcover]

Mary Bono (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2002 | Age Level: 4 and up

Rhyming text and illustrations present various reactions to encounters with such bugs as an ant, beetle, and ladybug.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Newcomer Bono's spot-on premise that kids have conflicted feelings about bugs ties together this bouncy volume in verse: "If you spied a centipede slithering by, would you reach for a stick? Run away? Start to cry?" Her artwork integrates three-dimensional, startlingly realistic clay sculptures of insects into brightly colored pencil portraits of round-headed, skeptical-looking kids, allowing readers to identify with the scenarios. In some pictures, the bugs appear nearly to scale, but more threatening species loom large (a bee is shown in such close-up detail that the pollen on his body looks like shag carpeting). With tongue firmly in cheek, Bono pleads for greater reflection vis-a-vis the insect world: "Do dragonflies suddenly swoop down and hover? They're just being nosy so don't run for cover." In the accompanying picture of twins, one girl looks delighted with the insect, the other hides behind her sister. Although the author/artist may not fully assuage the fears of the insect-squeamish or convert the bug-squashing enthusiast, she successfully demonstrates that it's possible to have a sense of humor and a heart about the critters: "Next time you see a bug don't make a fuss after all, there's a lot more of them than of us." 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

PreSchool-Grade 2-"What do you do when a bug's bugging you?" asks Bono in this colorful picture book, and she goes on to imagine various situations in which a child might meet an insect: "Do dragonflies suddenly swoop down and hover? They're just being nosy so don't run for cover." Many of the most common insects are covered, including the fly, ant, beetle, ladybug, centipede, and grasshopper, each one on a page or spread, accompanied by a couplet. Bono creates realistic three-dimensional creatures from clay and wire, setting them against wonderfully bright watercolor-and-pencil illustrations showing children encountering bugs as they play. The text aims to reassure youngsters that most bugs will leave people alone if not bothered, and ends with the admonition: "-please don't forget that/whoever they are-/bugs are happier when/they are not in a jar." A delightful book, well produced, whose large colorful format makes it well suited as an introduction to a bug storytime, perhaps paired with one or more of Eric Carle's titles.
Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Walker & Company (March 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802788009
• ISBN-13: 978-0802788009
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,997,855 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for facing fears!, September 15, 2006

By 

Random Mom "raising a reader" (Oklahoma, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ugh! a Bug (Hardcover)

The local librarian recommended this one after my daughter (age 2.5) was stung by a wasp. It really helped her to learn that not all bugs were "bad". I plan to buy this for my younger child now.

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this gorgeous book to introduce kids to the insect world, October 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Ugh! a Bug (Hardcover)

As a child, I always thought that dragonflies (we called them darning needles) stung, given their fearsome appearance. Now we live on a pond and I have learned to love and value these gentle creatures (gentle to us but not to mosquitoes!). Mary Bono's book is a wonderful way to open the door to a greater appreciation of insects for young children. The clever text, the friendly but not preachy message, the stunning illustrations - with scientifically accurate clay sculptures amidst simple and friendly line drawings: It all adds up to a must read. Our two three-year-olds just love this book and pore over the pictures. I am grateful we have such a beautiful way to introduce them to this vital part of our natural world. Make this book a treasured part of your kids collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars A darling children's story, July 30, 2003

By 

Natty "Yadeebug" (Syracuse, Utah United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ugh! a Bug (Hardcover)

This is such a darling book. My three year old twin girls cannot get enough of it. I will read this story to them a good ten times a day, and never get tired of it. It's a great book to let kids know that bugs are not scary, they can be quite fun. My girls like to go outside and look for the bugs that are in this story. Fun rhyming!!! Great story!!!!