Hucklebug

Serendipity

by Stephen Cosgrove, Robin James (Illustrator)

Young Hucklebug runs away from his village rather than help gather food, but soon regrets his decision.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Animals

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[K]

Another one that wasn't a favorite when I was a kid. It's a fairly substantial story, told well: a little bug doesn't want to grow up and runs away so he can continue to spend his days playing instead of working. Unfortunately, when he explores too far, he comes across a bunch of "giant" humans who seem to want to either catch or squash him. Terrified, he runs back to the safety of his town and asks for forgiveness, promising not to shirk his work or run away again.

I think this was another instance of the art just not being terribly exciting; it's mostly close ups of the bug, who's just a skinny blue guy in a red t-shirt, without a lot of atmosphere or backgrounds that make you want to linger over the pages.

A perfectly fine book with a decent lesson, but not one I've ever gotten very attached to.

[Rena Sherwood]

This is one of the earliest Serendipity books, since this first came out in the 1970s. It's been reprinted at least twice.

Cosgrove doesn't give much of a description of what a Hucklebug is, but Robin James just ran with it. Cosgrove also does a tongue-in-cheek joke by naming the protagonist Berry. Perhaps that was one for the adults.

This is perhaps the only Serendipity book that made me laugh out loud. Berry is a mischievous bug, with an independent streak. He's also vain. When he packs to run away from home, he packs only his best clothes.

My only quibble is that the overall arc of the story is predictable. The moral I don't have a problem with. I know the books are supposed to teach as well as entertain, but conformity is a bit frightening.

[Sarah]

Hucklebug learns through experience that it is better to listen to others wise advice.

[Amy K]

One of my favorite Serindipity books. It came to us at the right time, my son had broken our TV earlier that day and took it very hard.

[Robert Drake]

This is a great 📙 book. It teaches a very important lesson.

[Kat]

Basic plot: Avoiding work has consequences.

I think I got my first Serendipity book through a Scholastic book order or book fair. I quickly became obsessed and collected a ton and a half of them as a child. I would spend hours just looking at the pictures because the art is simply gorgeous. The stories were whimsical and fun, and always ended with some sort of life lesson for kids. I kept reading these books long after other picture books had been set aside.

[Dee]

I felt so sorry for this poor little bug, as a kid. But it emphasizes the dangers of running away, and the value of being safe and at home with your family, even if you're made to do chores that aren't fun.

[Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson]

A good lesson on the effects of shirking your work. See how far that get's you! This author should be considered in the Children's Classics. Really looking forward to the reprinting. I hope to buy all, when they are!

[Pam]

"Little Hucklebug, if you have learned from your mistake, it is not a mistake, but a lesson. As you grow older you will make other mistakes, but never be afraid to admit them."

[Ashley]

Check out my blog, Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing for my thoughts and memories of the Serendipity series!

[J]

You can't go wrong with a Cosgrove.

[Julia]

Love this book! It was one of my faves growing up!

[J]

I didn't much like the plot on this one but it has a great lesson to be learned by all the generations that read it.

[Kayla]

"Mistakes are always mistakes or so I've heard them say... But if it teaches a lesson, the mistake will go away."
Good for higher level readers. More words with good pictures!