Don't Squish a Slug: A Wonderful Celebration of Marvellous Minibeasts!

by Yussef Rafik, Riley Samels (illustrator)

Learn all about how amazing bugs and minibeasts are in this detailed guide to over 40 small critters from around the world. Bugs and minibeasts may be small, sometimes slimy and maybe a little scary, but they are AMAZING and deserve respect and empathy.

Don't Squish A Slug will show you everything you need to know, and more, about why bugs and minibeasts are the most important creatures on the planet, even if they may not look it!

For example, did you know that there are bugs disguise to blend in with their surroundingsBugs who have come up with clever defence tactics to keep themselves safeBugs who have broken world records?
 

Or, did you know Taurus Scarab Beetle is the strongest insect in the world and can pull 1,141 times its own body weight – which is the equivalent of a human lifting six double-decker buses!Or. . . that the Banana Slug has anaesthetic slime, so if you were to lick one your tongue would go numb! 


Learn about how awe-inspiring bugs and minibeasts really are in Don't Squish A Slug. Written by zoologist, conservationist and wildlife TV presenter Yussef Rafik and illustrated by Riley Samels (who makes every bug look cool), Don't Squish A Slug is a treasure-trove of expert information and quirky, retro illustrations for young readers to enjoy.

So. . . don’t squash a spider, don’t step on ants and definitely don’t squish a slug!

Genres: Nature, Childrens, Nonfiction, Animals, Picture Books

64 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Squish a Bug is exactly the kind of book I would have pored over as a kid, much like the old Golden Book Natural Science encyclopedias, though for a slightly younger audience. This one stands out with its detailed and charming illustrations of bug “superheroes,” highlighting about 50 different species and explaining why each one is a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem.

What I loved most is how the book emphasizes that, like us, bugs are unique and have evolved to play essential roles in Earth’s intricate web of life. It’s a great starting point for conversations with kids about respecting all creatures and understanding their value in nature.

A well-done book that’s both educational and engaging. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC—I’ll definitely consider purchasing this for the little ones in my life!

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Squish a Slug is a wonderfully illustrated children's encyclopedia that on top of being visually stunning presents the information in an accessible language that any kid can understand. This is actually a big deal because, as a bookseller, I've been shocked by how many science books aimed at kids are full of the scientific jargon and overly complex syntax of academic writing. The message of the book is also amazing - it talks of the importance of the little critters who might seem unimportant but actually help the environment in many amazing ways.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bugs hit these pages with an impressive parade of abilities and amazing facts, which show how splendid many of these tiny creatures really are.

Already the Table of Contents sets the stage for fun by dividing the presented bugs into categories such as 'Masters of Disguise', 'Daring Defense', and more. Each bug receives an entire page of well done illustrations, which not only highlight its special abilities and aspects, but put it in surroundings which touch upon its uniqueness. While there are a few well-known bugs, most are unique. So, there's sure to be new facts for even well-versed bug fans.

Unlike many insect books, these pages aren't only about facts but try to build a respect for the insect world. To do this, the author presents each one with a hint of awe and excitement, while bringing across the information. Still, it's not overly dramatic, either. The special attributes and facts surrounding each type of insect are delivered in short paragraphs placed over the page. These are written for the younger end of the middle grade audience, steer away from heavier jargon, and bring across the information with energy. It makes it easy to read and digest.

At the end of the book, there's a glossary with several terms and an index helps readers look up specific bug types, if desired.

This is one young bug fans and fact-curious readers are going to want to take a peek at.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely book that as a bug admirer I very much enjoyed.

The illustrations were stunning and provided a more gentle introduction to bugs than might photorealistic pictures which I think can help people get used to creepy crawlies. I can’t speak to the accuracy of all the information, but as far as facts I already knew related to certain bugs it looked correct.

There seemed to be a good mix of different types of bugs from around the world, in all different shapes and sizes.

My only wish would have been that there was a section at the end that focused more on what the public (and especially kids) could do to help bugs. Perhaps building a bug hide for the winter, looking for a beneficial insect before using a chemical in the garden, ways to look for bugs in the wild under rocks. Things like that. There were mentions in the book of species that are threatened but no resources at the end for further learning. Just a thought.

That being said would definitely recommend even if some of the bugs I’m happy to only ever see in this book.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very decent guide indeed to some select insects and other bugs and critters, packed into different chapters that reveal their talents for camouflage and mimicry, their exceptional way with evolving tricksy details, and more. The art goes for the realistic over the style, but has far too much life and variety to look dry and staid with it, the writing may be three or four small chunks but they're more detailed than those factoids whose correct reading order always eludes you, and this is a decently educational volume. It's full of the remarkable, from the chemistry of the bombardier beetle to the louse that replaces a fish's tongue as a parasitic entity, to … well, to lemurs – you'll have to read this to see why I include them. OK, a book like this does focus on the superlatives and leaves out so much that is much closer to home, but this is a great way to convey both evolution and the wonders of the bug world. It's actually been too long since I saw this quality and this measured use of research into the marvellous – therefore five stars.

[Casey Densmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the beautiful illustrations in this nonfiction book! I think they were done in a very fun way. The colors are very earthy and calming. I was not expecting this book to have so much information! I think my second graders would really enjoy this book and would learn a lot about all of the "bugs" in the book. I really enjoyed the extra information about adaptations like camouflage and mimicry. I also thought the history and fun facts were really amazing. I know I learned a lot, so children would most definitely take an interest in this book ! I would recommend it to ANYONE that loves learning about creepy crawly things!

Thank you Yussef Rafik and Quarto Publishing Group for allowing me to review this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an unrepentant slug squisher, I saw this book and was curious. Why not squish a slug? They are slimy and eat my flowers. After reading this book, I have a better understanding of the importance of bugs (and slugs) in the natural world. Although we don't like them, they do have a place and a job to do to keep the world tidy. This book separates bugs into categories by how they interact with the world. The illustrations are detailed and the dense text can be pared down to the child's reading abilities. I'd put this book in the hands of any nature-loving, bug-squishing child knowing that they will find plenty of information to absorb. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.

[Emma Trottier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – words & pictures for this ARC.

Don't Squish a Slug is a short book that is somehow still packed with information, yet so easy to read. The author uses the correct wording, including hard to understand science terms, but breaks them down immediately in a digestible way. Although I still dislike houseflies, the book managed to show me a new perspective about the world around me about how great our ecosystem is and how brilliant nature can be.
The pictures are gorgeous and I will definitely be referencing fun facts learnt in this book in conversations with friends!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't Squish a Slug is a nonfiction children's book about many different bugs. I enjoyed the beautiful illustrations, but I feel like the book could have been designed better to make information more accessible for children. As it is formatted, it reads a lot like a textbook, and I think it would be more helpful to have the information on each page better categorized and highlighted by topic. For this reason, I would probably choose one of the many, many other books on the market on this topic over this one.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group for gifting me with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

[Brittney Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children love exploring in the backyard and learning about the small creatures that live among us. This book would've definitely been a well-loved and worn out book had it been a part of their childhood. The illustrations and descriptions are captivating and helped us learn about all the bugs and "minibeasts."

The table of contents divides the creatures into fun categories while the pages are filled with fun and interesting facts. Even my girls who are not always fond of bugs enjoyed Don't Squish a Slug.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an electronic review copy of The Bear-Shaped Hole by John Dougherty to review. #TheBearShapedHole #NetGalley #JohnDougherty

[Neon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – words & pictures for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC: 'Don't Squish a Slug by Yussef Rafik'.

2 out of 3 stars.
I wish I could give this more, but there were major errors that need fixing before this gets put on the shelves and I've decided to contact the publishers urgently

Beautiful illustrations, lots of awesome insects. If this gets fact-checked this has amazing potential as I really enjoyed myself.

I would like to review this when it's edited.

[George Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – words & pictures for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC: 'Don't Squish a Slug by Yussef Rafik'.

2 out of 5 stars.
I wish I could give this more, but there were major errors that need fixing before this gets put on the shelves and I've decided to contact the publishers urgently

Beautiful illustrations, lots of awesome insects. If this gets fact-checked this has amazing potential as I really enjoyed myself.

I would like to rdi a new eview this when it's edited.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect book for the bug-loving kiddo in your life!

Don't Squish a Slug is an informative and engaging look at all the creepy crawlies we take for granted, from beetles and ants to slugs and spiders. It is *jam packed* with information and awesome facts that are sure to astound.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayla(herbookishheart) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute book full of interesting tidbits of bugs, butterflies, slugs and little creatures we often think little about. Each bug has something unique about it and I loved all the adorable illustrations this book offered! It is a perfect book for nature lovers. The wording and length of reading is easy, making it fun for young readers.
Thank you to the author and publishing house for a copy of this arc.

[Little Bitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Squish a Slug is a very informative picture book about a wide variety of insects, that shares facts you probably have never heard of before. I liked that there were realistic illustrations in lieu of photographs. It is surprisingly text dense, so it would probably be better for established readers or to be broken up into parts; it would be hard to read this all out loud.

Thanks to Quarto Publishing - words & pictures and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

[Sierra]

Last read of 2024! I was in a bug mood and they don't write enough for adults. Probably because children's books are just as informative and far more entertaining. As a systematics nerd, I dislike with how certain relationships and facts were characterized, but for the most part I enjoyed reading this.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a lot more informational than I expected. It is absolutely beautifully illustrated. I am usually terrified of insects but the illustrations make them look fascinating.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great nonfiction book on various insects and animals out in nature. However, I wish this was a real story picture book that I thought was I was getting based on the title and the cover.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for bug lovers and kids and adults who want facts to back them up when they say hey don’t squish that bug please.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming illustrations.

[Marian Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[George Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – words & pictures for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC: 'Don't Squish a Slug by Yussef Rafik'.

2 out of 3 stars.
I wish I could give this more, but there were major errors that need fixing before this gets put on the shelves and I've decided to contact the publishers urgently

Beautiful illustrations, lots of awesome insects. If this gets fact-checked this has amazing potential as I really enjoyed myself.

I would like to review this when it's edited.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Squish A Slug by zoologist and wildlife expert Yussef Rafik is a marvelously informative celebration of some of the world’s smallest creatures. There is plenty of educational opportunity with this marvelous book, with a gentle message about the importance of respecting all living creatures.

The layout of this book is brilliant, with engaging and visually appealing illustrations by Riley Samels. This book is perfect for curious children or nature lovers, although there is learning to be had for people of all ages in this lovingly designed book.