What do you think?
Rate this book
Snug as a Bug?
Meet a bug who is as snug as a bug can be. Oh, but not for long! Along comes a knock on the door and suddenly he's off on a wild and risky adventure...
Bug is chased by creature after creature—he's clearly ever so tasty—through woodland, dark caves, and a mighty waterfall!
He barely escapes becoming someone's dinner and comes close to meeting all sorts of sticky ends, but he keeps insisting he is "snug as a bug"! Can he make it back home? As snug as a bug can be?
Snug as a Bug is a hilarious picture book romp from Karl Newson, with energetic and characterful illustrations from award-winning illustrator Alex Willmore which help the story leap of the page!
Bug is chased by creature after creature—he's clearly ever so tasty—through woodland, dark caves, and a mighty waterfall!
He barely escapes becoming someone's dinner and comes close to meeting all sorts of sticky ends, but he keeps insisting he is "snug as a bug"! Can he make it back home? As snug as a bug can be?
Snug as a Bug is a hilarious picture book romp from Karl Newson, with energetic and characterful illustrations from award-winning illustrator Alex Willmore which help the story leap of the page!
36 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2023
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Karl Newson
79 books24 followersKarl Newson writes for the children’s book blog The Mudwaffler and contributes to The Creative Attic, an online publication of illustrated poetry. For All the Stars Across the Sky is his debut picture book. He lives in England.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 31, 2023
What a fun book!
Read this to my 5 & 7 year old and they enjoyed the bright colors and fun images along with the cute rhyming. Now my kids are running around the house saying “Snug as a bug is a RUG!!”
As a parents perspective- this was about overcoming scary things, perseverance and you can be small but still mighty.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read this to my 5 & 7 year old and they enjoyed the bright colors and fun images along with the cute rhyming. Now my kids are running around the house saying “Snug as a bug is a RUG!!”
As a parents perspective- this was about overcoming scary things, perseverance and you can be small but still mighty.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2023
“I’m snug as a bug in a rug, I am.
As snug as a bug could be.
There has never been a bug
in THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD
so happily snug as me!”
Recently, I have been reading a lot of children’s books: most good; some excellent – but this is the best book of all of them. I was given an electronic advanced copy by NetGalley and the publisher, but have pre-ordered the paperback. It is a book that every child should have the opportunity to read – or have read to them – and it is an absolute must for my new great-niece and her parents. And I will probably have to have my own copy too.
An outstanding children’s book, appeals not just to children, but also to adults. Afterall, if you are going to have to read it over and over again to your child, it had better be a book that you enjoy too. This is one such book. I was captivated on the first reading – and on the second, and third … as was my husband. The “snug as a bug” refrain goes round and round in my head, sneaking in at odd times of the day.
It is a perfect bedtime reading book, when the child is tucked up in bed ‘as snug as a bug in a rug’.
Ronald, the bug, answers his doorbell, opening the door to a hungry snake, who plans on eating the tasty little bug. Ronald runs out of his house as fast as his little legs will take him, encountering one after another dangerous predator wanting a bug dinner. He somehow manages to evade them all, while singing his happy, optimistic song – though it does seem to get more and more manic as time goes on – until he ends up in the “smelly belly” of a crocodile.
There he decides that, even though he has thus far escaped all the dangers:
“I am NOT snug here. NOT AT ALL.”
Something has to change, running away is not a long-term option.
“You ate the wrong bug!
I’M GOING HOME
I may be small…
But I am mighty!
And I’ve got somewhere
else to be.”
He makes it back to safety, and his snug-rug-bed. Then the doorbell rings again ….
The words are delightful. The rhythm is catchy, with just enough rhyming and repetition to ensure that soon the children and adults will soon be chanting along with the bug. But, the real joy of this book is the illustrations. There is continual motion in the pictures, the bug’s legs running, flapping, waving …., the bug turning head over heels, flying, crashing, … You know exactly how the bug is feeling as his emotions are so clear on his face: confusion, fear, relief, terror, exasperation, annoyance, resolve … The predators all smile in a mock-friendly sinister way, trying to entice the bug to stop fleeing, to become their meal.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. You don’t need to have children (I don’t), to be enchanted by this and want to own it, but if you can share it with a child, so much the better.
For me, this book is right up there with my all-time favourite kids’ book ‘Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy’. Get a copy, you will not regret it!!!
April 8, 2023
Well… that’s scary but we gotta survive! So many predators for our tiny snug bug. And I got triggered. So unrealistic but it happens. Love the illustrations. Got me affected so much! The artist is so good!
It’s just a me thing. The book is entertaining.
Thank you, Happy Yak, for the advance reading copy.
It’s just a me thing. The book is entertaining.
Thank you, Happy Yak, for the advance reading copy.
March 30, 2023
This is so cute and fun! I loved the story and the illustrations. It also teaches kids a bit about the reality of nature, predator and prey as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
October 2, 2023
This book makes me feel as snug as a bug in a rug. It makes me feel good. It's very funny and makes me laugh and smile. - AJH (age 9)
A great book for really getting into character, doing voices, facial expressions and a bit of acting too. We loved this book and read it over and over.
A great book for really getting into character, doing voices, facial expressions and a bit of acting too. We loved this book and read it over and over.
April 23, 2023
This was such a cute, funny and quick read with lots of colorful pictures. My kid loved it! This is perfect for kids (and the person reading to the kid(s))
June 23, 2023
First, I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for allowing me to preview this title before publication.
I read this with my 4yr old daughter. And I do believe that she was the perfect age for this book. She thought the story was hilarious and, because the illustrations were easy to understand, she could follow along and even guess some of the next actions. This book was great for asking questions like "what do you think will happen next?"
As a parent, I have to agree with my daughter. I thought the book was highly entertaining and it was a joy to see the anticipation and her sense of humor. The illustrations were not flowery or abstract but allowed for easily identifiable facial expressions and story actions. As mentioned before, this book made it easy to ask open ended questions such as "what is going to happen?" and "why do you think he looks scared?" When asked what she liked best about the book, my daughter said that she liked the ending the best (when he was not going to make the same mistake twice!). When asked what she liked least, she said that the cave was "scary" (as it was supposed to be).
Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit more than I was expecting to.
I read this with my 4yr old daughter. And I do believe that she was the perfect age for this book. She thought the story was hilarious and, because the illustrations were easy to understand, she could follow along and even guess some of the next actions. This book was great for asking questions like "what do you think will happen next?"
As a parent, I have to agree with my daughter. I thought the book was highly entertaining and it was a joy to see the anticipation and her sense of humor. The illustrations were not flowery or abstract but allowed for easily identifiable facial expressions and story actions. As mentioned before, this book made it easy to ask open ended questions such as "what is going to happen?" and "why do you think he looks scared?" When asked what she liked best about the book, my daughter said that she liked the ending the best (when he was not going to make the same mistake twice!). When asked what she liked least, she said that the cave was "scary" (as it was supposed to be).
Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit more than I was expecting to.
May 18, 2023
4.5 Stars
Aww… cutest bug ever!
Ronald, the snug bug, is napping when the doorbell rings. He opens the door to find a snake saying, 'hello, and be my snack'. There begin his adventures. The poor little bug has to escape caves with spiders, birds, frogs, and so many dangers to get back home safe and sound. He even faces the mighty crocodile!
This is an adorable little book about how dangerous situations can come anytime, and you have to do your best to be brave and escape, no matter your size. Those who fight to survive have high chances of succeeding, just like our little Ronald, who goes back home and continues his nap.
The illustrations are wow. Colorful, vibrant, and exactly how kids would like them to be. From the color scheme to the expressions on the predators’ faces, everything is perfect. The text is easy to read, with a few words on each page. The words tumble and swirl to suit the narration. This adds extra zing and humor to the story. I like how the bug has a natural humorous tone that makes him endearing.
To summarize, Snug as a Bug? is indeed a hilarious picture book with fab illustrations. It is much more than a funny story, though. The hidden moral is something adults can discuss with little ones during playtime.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and Happy Yak and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#SnugasaBug #NetGalley
Aww… cutest bug ever!
Ronald, the snug bug, is napping when the doorbell rings. He opens the door to find a snake saying, 'hello, and be my snack'. There begin his adventures. The poor little bug has to escape caves with spiders, birds, frogs, and so many dangers to get back home safe and sound. He even faces the mighty crocodile!
This is an adorable little book about how dangerous situations can come anytime, and you have to do your best to be brave and escape, no matter your size. Those who fight to survive have high chances of succeeding, just like our little Ronald, who goes back home and continues his nap.
The illustrations are wow. Colorful, vibrant, and exactly how kids would like them to be. From the color scheme to the expressions on the predators’ faces, everything is perfect. The text is easy to read, with a few words on each page. The words tumble and swirl to suit the narration. This adds extra zing and humor to the story. I like how the bug has a natural humorous tone that makes him endearing.
To summarize, Snug as a Bug? is indeed a hilarious picture book with fab illustrations. It is much more than a funny story, though. The hidden moral is something adults can discuss with little ones during playtime.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and Happy Yak and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#SnugasaBug #NetGalley
May 1, 2023
"Snug as a Bug" by Karl Newson is a delightful and engaging children's book about a bug who finds himself in a perilous adventure after being interrupted from his cozy home. The story is beautifully illustrated by Anuska Allepuz and will captivate young readers with its vibrant colors and detailed drawings.
The main character, the bug, is immediately likable and relatable, as he enjoys his comfortable life in his cozy home until he is unexpectedly thrust into a dangerous journey. Readers will cheer him on as he faces various creatures, all eager to make him their next meal, and navigates through challenging terrain to make his way back home.
Newson's writing style is simple and easy to understand, making it accessible to even the youngest readers. His use of repetition, particularly with the phrase "snug as a bug," is both amusing and endearing. The story's fast-paced action will keep children on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
Overall, "Snug as a Bug" is a charming and well-crafted children's book that will captivate young readers with its engaging storyline and stunning illustrations. It's a perfect addition to any child's library and will surely become a favorite bedtime story.
The main character, the bug, is immediately likable and relatable, as he enjoys his comfortable life in his cozy home until he is unexpectedly thrust into a dangerous journey. Readers will cheer him on as he faces various creatures, all eager to make him their next meal, and navigates through challenging terrain to make his way back home.
Newson's writing style is simple and easy to understand, making it accessible to even the youngest readers. His use of repetition, particularly with the phrase "snug as a bug," is both amusing and endearing. The story's fast-paced action will keep children on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
Overall, "Snug as a Bug" is a charming and well-crafted children's book that will captivate young readers with its engaging storyline and stunning illustrations. It's a perfect addition to any child's library and will surely become a favorite bedtime story.
July 29, 2023
My grandson picked Snug as a Bug as his bedtime story and I agreed thinking it would be about a bug getting ready for bed, how wrong I was. Snug as a Bug is a loud, fun, active story that had my grandkids laughing and shouting out the repeating lines. Ronald Bug was snug in his house when there was a knock on his door. When he answered, he found a smiling snake on the other side ready to have him for his dinner. The rest of the book has Ronald running through the countryside escaping one predator after another repeating: “I’m snug as a bug in a rug, I am. As snug as a bug could be.
There has never been a bug in THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD so happily snug as me!” He eventually realized that he is NOT Snug as a Bug where he is, and heads back home to safety. This was a wonderful read aloud with its rhyming cadence and repeating lines. The illustrations were wonderful as well. The action shown and expressions on the faces of the predators and Ronald easily showed emotion. This was a fun story that the kids loved. I felt it showed how facing your fears helps deal with them, as well as not giving up and home is a safe place. I highly recommend this story.
There has never been a bug in THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD so happily snug as me!” He eventually realized that he is NOT Snug as a Bug where he is, and heads back home to safety. This was a wonderful read aloud with its rhyming cadence and repeating lines. The illustrations were wonderful as well. The action shown and expressions on the faces of the predators and Ronald easily showed emotion. This was a fun story that the kids loved. I felt it showed how facing your fears helps deal with them, as well as not giving up and home is a safe place. I highly recommend this story.
April 12, 2023
Oh gosh this is super cute but so much fun too. Bug is as snug as a bug in a rug until there's a knock on the door from an unexpected visitor who wants to eat him! Well from there his night turns into perilous turmoil as one creature after another decides that he's a tasty snack. Will he make it back to his cosy bed?
There's a wonderful rhyming patter and the repeated refrain of being snug as a bug is lots of fun for children to join in with. This book would be a wonderful classroom read-aloud. My daughter loved how the text in the book helped tell the story by how bold it was or the direction of the text. It's a super engaging book and you are absolutely rooting for the main character Ronald the bug from start to finish. We loved the pink strip on the page where he stuck up for himself - a great message for kids. The twist at the end had us in fits of giggles.
I couldn't agree more with my daughter's review:
Six year olds review - 5 star - Great, amazing and enthusiastic.
There's a wonderful rhyming patter and the repeated refrain of being snug as a bug is lots of fun for children to join in with. This book would be a wonderful classroom read-aloud. My daughter loved how the text in the book helped tell the story by how bold it was or the direction of the text. It's a super engaging book and you are absolutely rooting for the main character Ronald the bug from start to finish. We loved the pink strip on the page where he stuck up for himself - a great message for kids. The twist at the end had us in fits of giggles.
I couldn't agree more with my daughter's review:
Six year olds review - 5 star - Great, amazing and enthusiastic.
May 4, 2023
Ronald the bug gets out of his snug little bed to answer a knock at the door which leads to a wild adventure as he tries to escape from the various creatures who want to eat him. His determination to get to somewhere snug helps get him out of some sticky situations but then there’s another knock at the door…
This fun to read story with its rhyming refrain is told by Roland and Alex Wilmore’s vibrant, colourful illustrations help to set the fast pace. We travel through woods, deep dark caves and fast flowing waterfalls as Roland is pursued by creatures including a mole, a bird and a crocodile.
For a bug in so much peril Roland is pretty fearless and optimistic. His mantra ‘snug as a bug’ helps him cope as he escapes one kind of danger only to find himself in another perilous situation. Even at his lowest point this feisty little bug finds a solution which leads to an ending that made us laugh (but we’re not going to spoil it for you!).
This fun to read story with its rhyming refrain is told by Roland and Alex Wilmore’s vibrant, colourful illustrations help to set the fast pace. We travel through woods, deep dark caves and fast flowing waterfalls as Roland is pursued by creatures including a mole, a bird and a crocodile.
For a bug in so much peril Roland is pretty fearless and optimistic. His mantra ‘snug as a bug’ helps him cope as he escapes one kind of danger only to find himself in another perilous situation. Even at his lowest point this feisty little bug finds a solution which leads to an ending that made us laugh (but we’re not going to spoil it for you!).
May 21, 2023
I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
It's as snug as a bug could be. It is a hilarious story and the illustrations will definitely get a lot of giggles out of the little ones. In my opinion they work better in a Looney Tunes episode, than in a picture book, but they are amusing nonetheless.
It's a nice read, about scary things and overcoming them in a way - and that bug is definitely an introvert because I am just as reluctant to open my door when I am not expecting anyone over.
Personally I felt that it is lacking that something that makes one want to reread kids picture books. The art is simplistic, and although fun, I don't feel like it brings something new. I was not the biggest fan of the rhymes either. I appreciate when the words become part of the illustration and the story, but there was a discrepancy in this one.
Still a funny story.
It's as snug as a bug could be. It is a hilarious story and the illustrations will definitely get a lot of giggles out of the little ones. In my opinion they work better in a Looney Tunes episode, than in a picture book, but they are amusing nonetheless.
It's a nice read, about scary things and overcoming them in a way - and that bug is definitely an introvert because I am just as reluctant to open my door when I am not expecting anyone over.
Personally I felt that it is lacking that something that makes one want to reread kids picture books. The art is simplistic, and although fun, I don't feel like it brings something new. I was not the biggest fan of the rhymes either. I appreciate when the words become part of the illustration and the story, but there was a discrepancy in this one.
Still a funny story.
May 1, 2023
Snug As a Bug? is a funny, rhyming story about a bug who gets comfortable when suddenly there's a doorbell alarm. He goes to see who it could be but ends up on an adventure evading his capture. He puts a stop to that and certainly has a much deserved rest... when the doorbell goes again. My 4 year old laughed out loud the whole book and asked to read it again. Definitely recommend, especially as a read aloud!
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak and NetGalley for this ARC
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak and NetGalley for this ARC
April 22, 2023
A decent look at a bug needing a rhyming mantra to get him through a heck of a lot of unfortunate circumstances, as he nearly gets killed and eaten by a host of animals in the big bad world. If only he hadn't opened the door! It's a fun thing to join in with, I am sure, but not a classic in the making – the simple plot and naive kind of illustrative style lower this to decent diversion. The lower end of four stars, perhaps.
May 1, 2023
A cute little book about a bug who answers the door to find... a predator! As he runs away he continues to tell himself that he's "as snug as a bug" as he encounters one dangerous animal after another that wants to eat him. Once he finally makes it home and hears another knock on the door he decides he's learned his lesson and won't answer it again, only to discover that it's his mother on the other side!
June 4, 2023
What does it mean to be Snug as a Bug? An unsuspecting bug answers a knock on his door, only to be greeted by a snake. He runs away fast as he can, but more dangers await in this adventurous tale.
“I may be small…. but I’m mighty!” Bright, dynamic illustrations enhance the fun of this upbeat, rhyming picture book. Perfect for reading aloud, parents and teachers can use this story to open a discussion about choosing how we react to challenges and setting healthy boundaries.
“I may be small…. but I’m mighty!” Bright, dynamic illustrations enhance the fun of this upbeat, rhyming picture book. Perfect for reading aloud, parents and teachers can use this story to open a discussion about choosing how we react to challenges and setting healthy boundaries.
November 6, 2023
A cumulative tale of a bug and his adventures, from meeting a snake, spider, mole, bird, frog, alligator, snake (again), and finally gets one last guest at his snug bug home. Can you guess who it is? You'll have to read it and see. Over the top humor and bright, silly illustrations make this book a future favorite for younger elementary school age kids.
Themes: bugs, humor
Ages: 1-3rd grade
Pub year: 2023
Themes: bugs, humor
Ages: 1-3rd grade
Pub year: 2023
November 21, 2024
Een HILARISCH prentenboek over een kleine tor die op een dag de deur open doet en wenst dat ie dat niet had gedaan. Van slangen tot enge grotten tot hele hongerige kikkers tot nog veel meer. Je snapt wel, dit torretje is er helemaal klaar mee. Ik vond de laatste pagina's voor het einde dan ook geweldig en ik zat gewoon te juichen voor het torretje! GO GO! En dan die laatste pagina, haha, die was top!
Enorm leuke illustraties die het helemaal compleet maakten!
Aanrader!
Enorm leuke illustraties die het helemaal compleet maakten!
Aanrader!
April 18, 2023
My 3 year old thought this book was so funny we read it twice in the first sitting!! Ronald is constantly running away from predators while wanting to go home and be “snug as a bug in a rug” which is something I say every night tucking my daughter into bed. The pictures are cute and the one line “not today snake, not today” my daughter thought was especially funny
April 30, 2023
Snug as a Bug? is intended for children ages 3-6 years old. This a cute story with a funny ending. The illustrations are vivid and engaging. I would warn that there are mentions of death and for the intended age group, this might be an issue for some parents.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
March 31, 2023
I loved reading this one and I know my son and my nephews will love it as well.
It rhymes which kids always love and it has good illustrations too.
Would be a great books for early readers up through 2nd graders.
It rhymes which kids always love and it has good illustrations too.
Would be a great books for early readers up through 2nd graders.
April 10, 2023
This cute little bug just wants to be Snug as a Bug but just as he is snug, he gets interrupted! Not once, but multiple times! I recommend this story for Pre-k and elementary aged children.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 19, 2023
Small and mighty is Snug as a Bug?. I loved the repetition of the rhyme and all of the humor in this book. Great add to any kids library.
Thank you, Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you, Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2023
I read this book to Izzy and she loves it. She really liked the ending where the bug has finally gotten snug in bed again but its mom came to the door. The alligator appearing is her favorite part. “Not today alligator”. Izzy loved the beautiful colorful pictures. She gives this book 5 stars.
May 14, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my
A snug bug in a cave of certain death was oddly relatable. I found this story to be funny and will be fun to read with kids.
I never related to a bug more then I have today. Snug as a bug I am indeed
A snug bug in a cave of certain death was oddly relatable. I found this story to be funny and will be fun to read with kids.
I never related to a bug more then I have today. Snug as a bug I am indeed
April 2, 2023
Snug as a Bug was a super cute book that my son loved! The pictures and animation were appeasing to my three year old and the differences in color added another teachable moment.
April 15, 2023
This book will keep kids interested in story! The storyline is hilarious and unpredictable.
April 17, 2023
Absolutely hilarious! I loved the illustrations and the bug's positivity throughout the story. He is a snug bug no matter what!
Thank you Netgalley for the ebook!
Thank you Netgalley for the ebook!
April 17, 2023
This book was super cute!! It’s about a bug who can’t catch a break because so many predators are after him. I thought the end was SO cute!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews