The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures

by Curtis Manley, Lucy Ruth Cummins (Illustrations)

Covered in earthworm slime and assisted only by her cat and her little brother, Roberta rescues tiny creatures. You know, the ones stranded in the middle of the sidewalk. Upside-down, flopping, or near-frozen.

A lot of the time, that earns her funny looks from kids in school.

But when a swarm of baby spiders finds its way into the classroom, Roberta will save the day with her knowledge and creativity, showing everybody that tiny creatures aren’t so scary after all. They just need friends who rescue and understand them!

Established Roaring Brook Press author Curtis Manley has teamed up with up-and-coming illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins, creator of Truman and Stumpkin, to present this quirky and adorable picture book.

“Childlike images by Cummins use expressive, charcoal-y lines and bright colors to present information clearly, including the insects Roberta’s interested in, how they behave (“The millipede… curled into a spiral when I picked it up”), and how it’s possible to take those it’s too late to save and look at them under the microscope. This substantive story by Manley is both a STEM tale about insects and a lesson in staying true to oneself, as Roberta’s distinctive interest takes her from odd kid out to minor celebrity with a like-minded new friend.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The appealing, cartoonlike pictures illustrate the action and the characters’ emotions effectively. Well worded and engaging, Roberta’s first-person narrative is heartening in several ways. She feels so strongly about helping animals that she continues despite ridicule. By sharing her knowledge, she unexpectedly earns her classmates’ respect. And more broadly, one person can make a difference, not only through action but also by influencing others. An original picture book and a rewarding read-aloud choice.” —Booklist (starred review)

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Animals, Childrens, Friendship, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

48 pages, Hardcover

Published June 8, 2021

About the author

I write for young people of all ages and strive to create fun books with facts about the world around us and truths about the worlds within.

curtismanley.com

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness, where was this book when I was a child? The little girl in the story was absolutely me. She is fascinated by nature, especially insects and tiny creatures, and she rescues those who are stranded indoors or otherwise in trouble--even if her classmates and teachers don't always understand.

This compassionate book will resonate with young insect enthusiasts, and may inspire those who have never paid much mind to look at nature a bit more closely. I love books that realistically depict compassionate actions even the youngest kids can take in everyday life--such as being nice to tiny creatures.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roberta shows her classmates that all living things (even icky ones) are worthy of consideration and compassion.

[molliekay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty sure this book is based on my life.

[Jeniece Goellner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning: Read with kid only if you are prepared to have to catch and release every bug and spider that gets in your house. This is a sweet book and lovely illustrations, but as someone that is not good with spiders, I am not ready to be asked to save the spiders.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roberta spends her time rescuing tiny creatures. She flips over pillbugs and moves worms from sidewalks. But everyone around her doesn’t understand. Her classmates make fun of her and her teacher insists that she wash her hands. At home, her cat helps out and so does her little brother, watching as she takes the ladybug outside safely. Some of the creatures, Roberta gets to know better before she has to release them. Others are only welcome in certain places and still others bite. If Roberta finds a dead creature, she collects them to look at how beautiful they are. When spiders emerge at school, Roberta is able to figure out a solution that has everyone helping out and gets the spiders safely outside. After the spider excitement, Maria approaches Roberta at recess and the two dream of all of the larger animals they can rescue together, maybe with a bit more help.

Manley takes the ickiness of bugs and worms away and instead celebrates them as creatures worthy of saving. Roberta is a wonderful example of what paying attention to small things can become, showing a deep kindness towards all lifeforms and the brain of a scientist as she gathers more information. With the spider incident at school, Roberta fully comes into her own as she takes her knowledge and turns it into shared action. It’s a brilliant and affirming moment that becomes a way to connect with others with similar interests.

Cummins uses her signature simple illustrations to great effect here. Their whimsical nature adds to the special appeal of insects and bugs and show how Roberta feels connected to them.

A buggy book of daily heroism. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[Elayne Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures, Roberta is a self-appointed heroine of creepies and crawlies, and like so many heroes, the public she serves is not always adoring. Still, she perseveres in the face of a cacophony of scoffs.

Eventually, though, Roberta will face her biggest two-pronged rescue mission yet: to rescue her classroom from the sudden infestation of baby spiders AND to rescue the baby spiders from her classroom. To save the day, she must deputize (and trust) the public to help her do the right thing while leading the way—and forging some spider-silk-strong bonds.

This charming, relatable book about a little rescuer is about several very BIG things, including:
- listening to one's heart
- the reality that sometimes one's efforts are not appreciated--sometimes even by the ones you are rescuing
- environmental stewardship
- coalition-building and the power of dedicated volunteers

Bonus: there's such a nice nod to Charlotte's Web in there, which, ♥️♥️♥️.

Manley's empathetic and nuanced storytelling is paired perfectly with the stellar Cummins's cheery, kid-centered art. It's a lovely book about dedication and spirit.

[Roben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberta loves to rescue bugs. Worms, spiders, beetles, and bees - nothing is too small - or too icky - for her! Even though the other kids in her class think she is weird, she believes rescuing tiny creatures is her super power. A large group of baby spiders and a friend who knows origami help convince her classmates that Roberta's love and knowledge is definitely not weird but very useful!

I really liked this book - and the information included at the back about the different critters and how to make an origami box was great. Roberta discovered that she had more in common with some of her classmates than she thought! Now - where can we find a Kraken?

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roberta is the rescuer of tiny creatures, aka bugs. She puts worms back into the dirt, she moves millipedes and ladybugs outside. And when there's a explosion of baby spiders in her classroom, she teaches her classmates about them and teaches them how to make origami boxes to capture the spiders in to release outside. (The instructions for making this box are in the back of the book.) By sharing her knowledge, she teaches her classmates and makes more friends with similar interests. A fun story with bright illustrations that demonstrates the value of learning and curiosity.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I think it's a great way to enlist the help of children who might otherwise be afraid of tiny creatures found within the home. I understand why the author would want to caution a child that some insects could sting you, but I'm not sure why he chose the dragonfly to relate this. As far as I know, dragonflies cannot sting and their bite will not harm you. (Feel free to correct me.) I just wish children had been cautioned about an insect that actually might sting them such as a wasp.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable. Absolutely just heartwarming. Roberta feels deep empathy for the tiniest creatures around her and carries out many a heroic rescue when they get into dire straits. In a moment of classroom crisis (a swarm of baby spiders), Roberta steps up alongside her classmate Maria to coordinate a massive rescue operation.

An ode to those both curious and helpful.

I am excited to try the origami box instructions included in the back.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book for every sensitive child who loves nature. Struggling to fit in, Roberta's penchant for rescuing tiny creatures is not appreciated by her class, but a mass rescue of baby spiders turns things around and creates new friends and partners. I'm not all in on the tense shifts but this is a minor quibble. Sprightly illustrations by Lucy Ruth Cummins please and the back matter, science and origami, builds the books appeal.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the author's real experiences as a child, this protagonist pays attention to tiny creatures like ants and spiders and dragonflies, and tries to rescue them when they are in distress. Can she rescue a lot of tiny spiders in the classroom all by herself? Of course not! That's what friends are for. Someone pointed out to the author that the protagonist is also rescuing the teacher who is scared of the spiders.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people shriek or run away when they see creepy crawlies — not Roberta! Roberta loves tiny creatures and wants to help them. When she finds them in places they could be harmed or where they seem to have gotten trapped, she valiantly rescues them and moves them to a safer location. A colleague at the library showed this picture book to me, saying it reminded her of me. There is no greater compliment.

[Jennifer Miera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. A sweet story about compassion and respect for little creatures and a kind little girl who sticks to her principles and shares her knowledge even when it's challenging. Back matter includes information about many of the creatures rescued by Roberta in the book, as well as instructions for making a tiny creature rescue box out of origami.

[Carol Doeringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book is about a girl whose love of insects and other tiny creatures separates her from the rest of her squeamish classmates. She wins them over, though, and through the story, readers learn why insects deserve a kind, rescuing hand. The art is fantastic, and the story is perfect for helping a child see insects with wonder, not worry. I needed to read this book when I was a kid!

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stick with it! This book starts out a little tedious. Yes, she saves bugs, ok. But then it takes a fun turn when baby spiders hatch in the classroom. Formerly fearful kids + teacher help rescue them and then become more active in saving tiny creatures, too. And maybe big ones. Like a kraken. More than what initially meets the eye. Kids will love this as much as I'm Trying to Love Spiders.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book about a young girl who rescues tiny creatures--bees, worms, spiders...
(Some big people still like rescuing tiny creatures.) I had mixed feelings at the end where she and her friend want to rescue bigger creatures, because I think being a rescuer of tiny things is absolutely amazing just as it is!

[Darlene Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From worms on the sidewalk to spiders on the classroom wall, even if you aren't a lover of tiny creatures, Roberta will help you see their charm and beauty and recruit you to help save them. Back matter includes a paragraph about each creature Roberta rescues and origami instructions for making a box with a lockable lid to transport creatures in need to rescue.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly sweet, very relatable book about that nerd and not fitting in and then all of a sudden, finding one's voice and one's value and finding like-minded friends in the bargain. Wonderful addition to your school library.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely love this one!! Roberta helps tiny creatures in the world, is fascinated by them, wrestles with feelings about death, finds new friends with empathetic hearts, and takes time to slow down and notice.

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would be a nice pairing with Hey, Little Ant both examples of children being stewards to insects.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roberta likes rescuing small creatures like worms and spiders and bees. The kids at school initially do not seem to understand. The teacher also initially seems more concerned with washing up Roberta’s muddy hands. But one day, her rescuing skills come to the rescue.

[Tootie Nienow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows someone or is that someone who rescues tiny creatures. Reading this story about Roberta will bring acceptance and understanding to those tender hearted saviors of tiny creatures. I am a huge fan of Lucy Cummings illustrations and this book does not disappoint.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roberta is very curious about creature that others think are “icky” such as spiders, worms, and bugs. But one day her knowledge is used to make her a hero with her classmates. The illustrations are very expressive and really compliment the story.

[Susan]

As the kids would say: OH LOOK, IT ME.

I loved this adorable picture book about a kid who saves tiny creatures and (eventually) talks everyone into helping her. Yes yes yes! Definitely recommended.

Or, to quote a certain popular show: This Is The Way.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl's mission is to rescue tiny creatures. But the other kids don't really understand her gross habit. Some can't be rescued, but they can be observed. But when her classroom is full of tiny spiders, she has the opportunity to teach others why tiny creatures are important to the world.

[Thomas Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. I do like how she gets to teach the class about the spiders.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never when when you can use your interests and skills to help others. And you never know who else might join you in those interests.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story about caring for creatures big and small.
What a terrific way to show how marvelous insects are!

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son and I checked this out from the library. He wasn't impressed, not a big fan of bugs, but it is a good educational book on why we need small creatures like bees and spiders.