What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sleeping Bug
Have you ever read a book that felt so real you wanted to be part of it? When Molly Jeffries opens her new book, The Sleeping Bug, she is magically transported to the fictional world of small town Texas where she meets the young cowboy, Calhoun Campbell, and his dog, Whiskers. After a mysterious sleeping sickness forces the town’s adults into a deep sleep, Molly faces an agonising decision that threatens to imprison her in the book forever. How far would you go to help the characters you love?
The Sleeping Bug is a heart warming, thrilling, and magical children's book for readers of all ages. This exciting new children's novel is perfect for fans of Sophie Cleverley, Robin Stevens, Eoin Coffer, and Helena Duggan. ‘I would never have guessed that this is a debut novel… Tense, dark and with quite a grip, I can't wait for the next .’ ― For Winter Nights - A Bookish Blog (Top 500 Amazon Reviewer) ‘Matt Brolly is a new star in the making …a very polished first novel and definitely deserves a wide audience.’ ― Elaine (Top 1000 Amazon Reviewer) 'A very engaging and absorbing read… I will certainly be on the lookout for more books by this promising, talented author.’ ― Relax and Read Reviews ‘Action packed, dramatic and addictive…an unputdownable read.’ ― Portybelle ‘WOW – what a brilliant debut novel! ...a fast paced plot that is full of twists, turns and surprises – a story that keeps the reader engrossed to the very end.’ ― Splashes Into Books ‘ One word for this – riveting . Fast paced, full of twisty goodness....’ ― Liz Loves Books
The Sleeping Bug is a heart warming, thrilling, and magical children's book for readers of all ages. This exciting new children's novel is perfect for fans of Sophie Cleverley, Robin Stevens, Eoin Coffer, and Helena Duggan. ‘I would never have guessed that this is a debut novel… Tense, dark and with quite a grip, I can't wait for the next .’ ― For Winter Nights - A Bookish Blog (Top 500 Amazon Reviewer) ‘Matt Brolly is a new star in the making …a very polished first novel and definitely deserves a wide audience.’ ― Elaine (Top 1000 Amazon Reviewer) 'A very engaging and absorbing read… I will certainly be on the lookout for more books by this promising, talented author.’ ― Relax and Read Reviews ‘Action packed, dramatic and addictive…an unputdownable read.’ ― Portybelle ‘WOW – what a brilliant debut novel! ...a fast paced plot that is full of twists, turns and surprises – a story that keeps the reader engrossed to the very end.’ ― Splashes Into Books ‘ One word for this – riveting . Fast paced, full of twisty goodness....’ ― Liz Loves Books
- GenresMiddle Grade
184 pages, Paperback
Published December 6, 2018
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 18, 2019
11-year-old Molly is anxious about new school year and being separated from her best friend Angela who is assigned to a different class. School bullies are giving her hard time. And her grandfather has just had a heart attack. Molly's only escape is reading. She discovers that if she focuses hard enough and is at the right place, she can get transported to the fictional world of her latest book ‘The sleeping bug’. What is more, Molly’s brief visits to the little town in Texas where the story is set seem to have an effect on the way the events unfold. Molly’s real world and her valiant efforts to save the people from the story collide. Luckily, Molly has a strong and loyal personality, so she is going to do everything possible to find solutions and save the little town and her new friends.
What I liked the most about this book is its well-written, relatable characters and great world building (Molly’s home, school, hospital, Texas). Molly herself is aware of how the Texan world is limited to her expectations and assumptions based on books and TV shows.
This is a great book for middle school - the story is engaging, Molly’s life and problems have a very authentic feel for this age, while the style is both accessible and full of vivid detail.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oblong Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
What I liked the most about this book is its well-written, relatable characters and great world building (Molly’s home, school, hospital, Texas). Molly herself is aware of how the Texan world is limited to her expectations and assumptions based on books and TV shows.
This is a great book for middle school - the story is engaging, Molly’s life and problems have a very authentic feel for this age, while the style is both accessible and full of vivid detail.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oblong Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2019
I received a free digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This atmospheric and charming middle grade read perfectly captures the sensation of a young person being completely enthralled with a book. It tells the story of a “book within a book”— which I’ll admit is really hard to pull off! When I’m reading and the character in my book is also reading, it adds a layer, and it’s difficult to make the reader actually care about the book within the book— but given that The Sleeping Bug in the story was such a driving force of the plot, Brolly pulled this off really well. Molly, our main character, is a British schoolgirl who is whisked into the world of her most recent read both literally and figuratively.
I loved Molly, and I loved how accurately Brolly portrayed the very real notion of being emotionally affected by what happens to characters in media we consume. Molly had compassion and concern for Calhoun and the other characters in her book, but these feelings were not just limited to the book she found herself living inside; we hear of her love of reading elsewhere and it makes her a fun main character. I love when a character is a bookworm, it’s like seeing yourself reflected on the page. She also reads so authentically for a middle-school aged kid, which is so nice, because I always try to keep my eye out for MG authenticity. Molly struggles with real issues in kid-dom, such as being separated from her best friend in school, fending off bullies, and being a role model for her toddler brother. Then she’s pulled into her book and her life becomes something unique and different— she must step up into a leadership position to save the town in Texas.
This had great worldbuilding. It’s a perfect blend between magical realism and real-world contemporary. We see Molly join Calhoun and company within The Sleeping Bug, as she becomes more and more invested in the Texas world the story presents and continually transports her to. Then we see her have problems outside that book— such as the subplot with her grandfather, who is suffering from heart issues. I was glad to see that — it tied in nicely with the feel-good ending that was Molly saving the day in Texas. We saw resolve in both the real world and the magical book-world.
This was a cute read with a strong main character and a great balance of vivid settings. Molly’s love for what she’s reading is all too real, and it’s a great message for the MG market.
I’m a writer, literary intern, and college student. Here’s where else to find me.
This atmospheric and charming middle grade read perfectly captures the sensation of a young person being completely enthralled with a book. It tells the story of a “book within a book”— which I’ll admit is really hard to pull off! When I’m reading and the character in my book is also reading, it adds a layer, and it’s difficult to make the reader actually care about the book within the book— but given that The Sleeping Bug in the story was such a driving force of the plot, Brolly pulled this off really well. Molly, our main character, is a British schoolgirl who is whisked into the world of her most recent read both literally and figuratively.
I loved Molly, and I loved how accurately Brolly portrayed the very real notion of being emotionally affected by what happens to characters in media we consume. Molly had compassion and concern for Calhoun and the other characters in her book, but these feelings were not just limited to the book she found herself living inside; we hear of her love of reading elsewhere and it makes her a fun main character. I love when a character is a bookworm, it’s like seeing yourself reflected on the page. She also reads so authentically for a middle-school aged kid, which is so nice, because I always try to keep my eye out for MG authenticity. Molly struggles with real issues in kid-dom, such as being separated from her best friend in school, fending off bullies, and being a role model for her toddler brother. Then she’s pulled into her book and her life becomes something unique and different— she must step up into a leadership position to save the town in Texas.
This had great worldbuilding. It’s a perfect blend between magical realism and real-world contemporary. We see Molly join Calhoun and company within The Sleeping Bug, as she becomes more and more invested in the Texas world the story presents and continually transports her to. Then we see her have problems outside that book— such as the subplot with her grandfather, who is suffering from heart issues. I was glad to see that — it tied in nicely with the feel-good ending that was Molly saving the day in Texas. We saw resolve in both the real world and the magical book-world.
This was a cute read with a strong main character and a great balance of vivid settings. Molly’s love for what she’s reading is all too real, and it’s a great message for the MG market.
I’m a writer, literary intern, and college student. Here’s where else to find me.
June 1, 2019
This was a great read with a strong main character. As someone who is regularly completely engrossed in a book, to the point that I am living alongside the characters who fill the pages, I found that I had quite a connection with it.
One of the best things about "The Sleeping Bug" was the relatability of the characters, particularly the protagonist, Molly. This fantastic, creative story was well written and held my attention throughout. I enjoyed reading it and wanted to see what was going to happen next! It also had an intriguing mystery.
This book was definitely a worthwhile read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
One of the best things about "The Sleeping Bug" was the relatability of the characters, particularly the protagonist, Molly. This fantastic, creative story was well written and held my attention throughout. I enjoyed reading it and wanted to see what was going to happen next! It also had an intriguing mystery.
This book was definitely a worthwhile read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 4, 2019
The mystery of the book and its magic was interesting enough to keep one reading, but this didn't quite make up for the awkward writing, thin characterization, and well-trodden and perfunctorily dealt-with plotlines of school bullies, friends growing apart, and the fear over sick and aging relatives.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
July 29, 2020
Clumsily written. I was easily bored and couldn't get into the storyline no matter how hard I tried. This was a definite DNF for me.
January 10, 2019
Pretty good children’s story. Thanks Netgalley for the copy!
January 1, 2019
This book will resonate with anyone who has ever felt completely engrossed with a book, to the point that they feel like they are living and breathing alongside the characters who fill the pages.
And that is exactly what happens to Molly Jeffries. With the prospect of her final year of primary school separated from her best friend and with the strictest teacher in school, Molly turns to her new book by her favorite author. As she reads, she is magically transported to Texas where she becomes as much a part of the story as the characters she reads about.
What really stood out about this book was how relatable the characters were, particularly Molly. Any young bookworms, who find solace in reading, will identify with the protagonist as she tries to make sense of both the unfolding drama in Texas, and her own problems at home and school. This book invites the reader to empathise with those who may seem like the 'baddie', and to view the world from different perspectives, identifying our own role in shaping it.
And that is exactly what happens to Molly Jeffries. With the prospect of her final year of primary school separated from her best friend and with the strictest teacher in school, Molly turns to her new book by her favorite author. As she reads, she is magically transported to Texas where she becomes as much a part of the story as the characters she reads about.
What really stood out about this book was how relatable the characters were, particularly Molly. Any young bookworms, who find solace in reading, will identify with the protagonist as she tries to make sense of both the unfolding drama in Texas, and her own problems at home and school. This book invites the reader to empathise with those who may seem like the 'baddie', and to view the world from different perspectives, identifying our own role in shaping it.
January 11, 2019
For as long as I can remember, I have always wished that I could step into a book and be a part of the narrative. Now, thanks to The Sleeping Bug by M.J. Brolly, readers of all ages can see this fantasy become a reality as Molly Jeffries opens the latest book from her favorite author and finds herself sucked inside. While I have some criticisms about the overall writing style, I enjoyed my time reading this book immensely.
First of all, Molly is a wonderful protagonist for this story, as she is a voracious reader, making her relatable to a large audience of children that enjoy books as a primary form of entertainment. Even as an adult, I completely understand how Molly feels like she needs to finish books to the end because otherwise, she is letting the characters down. The friendships Molly forms in both the real and book worlds are strong and genuine, making the characters the clear strength of the title.
The plot is best described as unevenly paced, but I wasn’t overly surprised by this. I was quite interested in finding out more about the fictional events that Molly becomes involved in, leaving me to occasionally be bored while she navigates through her everyday life. In fact, my feelings likely were the same as the protagonist, as she often complained about not being able to get back to her book frequently enough, which is a relatable issue for anyone who likes to read. Still, the fact that The Sleeping Bug inadvertently mimics the real world doesn’t change that the pacing of the title felt off at times.
On the whole, the book’s writing style is strong, but I question its use of dialogue at times. A lot of the interactions between children sounded like an adult writing a child like any other adult character, leaving every kid to sound like they’re in their mid-twenties. In spite of this, however, I think the overall use of language for the book is appropriate for kids, even if the dialogue isn’t overly realistic.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with The Sleeping Bug and look forward to reading any of M.J. Brolly’s future works. While I may have some issues with the pacing and writing style, it still didn’t detract from my overall interest in the plot and my love of the realistic characters.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
First of all, Molly is a wonderful protagonist for this story, as she is a voracious reader, making her relatable to a large audience of children that enjoy books as a primary form of entertainment. Even as an adult, I completely understand how Molly feels like she needs to finish books to the end because otherwise, she is letting the characters down. The friendships Molly forms in both the real and book worlds are strong and genuine, making the characters the clear strength of the title.
The plot is best described as unevenly paced, but I wasn’t overly surprised by this. I was quite interested in finding out more about the fictional events that Molly becomes involved in, leaving me to occasionally be bored while she navigates through her everyday life. In fact, my feelings likely were the same as the protagonist, as she often complained about not being able to get back to her book frequently enough, which is a relatable issue for anyone who likes to read. Still, the fact that The Sleeping Bug inadvertently mimics the real world doesn’t change that the pacing of the title felt off at times.
On the whole, the book’s writing style is strong, but I question its use of dialogue at times. A lot of the interactions between children sounded like an adult writing a child like any other adult character, leaving every kid to sound like they’re in their mid-twenties. In spite of this, however, I think the overall use of language for the book is appropriate for kids, even if the dialogue isn’t overly realistic.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with The Sleeping Bug and look forward to reading any of M.J. Brolly’s future works. While I may have some issues with the pacing and writing style, it still didn’t detract from my overall interest in the plot and my love of the realistic characters.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 18, 2019
This is a really good book for young readers. I feel like they could identify with Molly. It is well written and holds your attention. I enjoyed reading it. Thank you Oblong Books via NetGalley for the free copy. This is my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews