Penny's Reviews and Chat

LITTLE BUG

Karin Larson 

illustrated by Eugene Ruble

“Little Bug,” by Karin Larson, illustrated by Eugene Ruble, is the type of children’s book that I especially enjoy—a book about word play using opposites. In fact, I’ve got my own manuscript with opposites in it. 

As a concept book about opposites, “Little Bug” has just about all of them. He goes out crawling to find a friend, some food, a drink, a tunnel, a worm, a ride on a butterfly, some shade, a puddle, a tree, a flower, the ant queen, a resting place, and a house. Here’s an example of Ms. Larson’s word play with opposites at the beginning of the book:

Little Bug goes all over, under, around, and through in his journey. Poor little bug. At the end of the day, he will have to start his search all over again.

Unlike his more realistic illustrations, Eugene Ruble’s pastel artwork in this story has whimsy and silliness that would appeal to readers at the younger age range. Readers at the higher age range could make a game of writing down all the opposites--or even guessing which opposites go together. 

This would be a good book for teachers to showcase these opposites to help students improve their creative writing. Also, it’s a good book for parents and grandparents to quiz their students about opposites. “Little Bug” would make a good read aloud book as well.  

“Little Bug” is highly recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Information on author Karin Larson is at www.karinlarson.com.

Eugene Ruble is an experienced illustrator and author for www.guardianangelpublishing.com.

Penelope Anne Cole, Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea.

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Web:  http://www.penelopeannecole.com/
Blog:  http://pennyreviews-chat.blogspot.com/ 

Tag:

Little Bug, Karin Larson, Eugene Ruble, opposites, word play, word use, picture book, children, bugs, insects, ants, search, journey, quest, search, #PB.