Release: June 1st, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Source: Netgalley
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon B&N
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Ashley Spires brings her signature deadpan humor to this hilarious story about one bug’s quest for greatness (with some cool insect facts mixed in!).
Meet Burt, a ten-lined June beetle. He’s sure he belongs in the category of bugs with superpower-like abilities. No, he can’t carry 50 times his weight, like ants. No, he’s not able to spray paralyzing venom, like some termites. Also, he can’t release a bad smell to repel predators, like stink bugs. What June beetles are known for is chasing porch lights and flailing their legs in the air. Does that count? Hmm. Maybe Burt will have to accept the truth. But, June beetles don’t have any special abilities. But when some other bugs find themselves in perilous trouble that even their superpowers can’t get them out of, Burt suddenly realizes there is one thing that he can do to save his friends, And it’s something that only a June beetle can do!
Bestselling author-illustrator Ashley Spires’s signature mix of slapstick and dry humor is front and center in this winning story that highlights how special it is about character as it is about abilities. And it has full of drawn panels prominently featuring the ever-plucky Burt. It’s a perfect pick for emerging readers and young fans of comics. Burt’s positive attitude toward himself and others offers many opportunities for character education lessons on caring, positive thinking, and initiative. There are also pages with facts about bugs and their traits. Thus making this a fun choice for a science unit on the characteristics of living things.
About the Author:
Ashley Spires grew up in the Pacific Northwest, the supposed stomping grounds of Bigfoot. She is the author and illustrator of some books for children, including Small Saul and the Adventures of Binky the Space Cat. Also, she was the recipient of the 2011 Silver Birch Express Award and the 2011 Hackmatack Award for Binky the Space Cat. She was shortlisted for a Joe Shuster Comics for Kids Award and an Eisner Award for Binky Under Pressure. Ashley currently lives in British Columbia.
Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite! Review:
Let me preface by saying that insects and bugs, in general, creep me out. I am not fascinated with them and face anxiety issues when I encounter one. But, “Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite!” was cute enough that it made me appreciate them.
The author made Burt the Beetle adorable, and I enjoyed his narration in the story. He doesn’t have any unique qualities like other insects and finds himself feeling very average. But, in the end, Burt comes to the rescue of his friends, discovering that Burt does have a unique talent that comes in handy. The author also made the story humorous in how clumsy Burt is and how he always falls on his back and asks for help.
Also, the illustrations are adorable, which makes you feel like you could spark an interest in entomology. The words are not long but do contain some challenging words like “predators,” “ultrasonic,” and “paralyzing” that would encourage them to learn.
However, while I loved how the author designed the story, I wish there was more information. The book focuses on the various qualities of each bug, but I would have liked to see how these insects help with the environment. For instance, some beetles eat unwanted items and help pollinate flowers. I wished the author included more aspects of the creatures in turns of how they contributed to nature.
Other than that, “Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite!” was a fun children’s picture book that would help readers feel differently about insects. I admire how the author approached the subject and hope she continues to release more graphic novels in a similar theme.
