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Ben and the Bug
When Ben meets Bug at the swing park, they instantly become the best of friends. But when everyone around them gets sick, Ben wonders about the identity of his new playmate. Ben and the Bug is written for families looking for a friendly approach to discussions around Coronavirus.
24 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2020
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 24, 2020
This is an engaging story with one of the most important purposes of our times. Everyone knows about the Corona Virus now, but it can be challenging to remind children or know where to even start with children, when explaining it. In this engaging book that really brings everything down to a child's level, this book will be an incredibly useful tool for children, child-educators and parents alike, through story and a game.
The game is "Spot the Bug". On each page there is a bug to find, which will engage children further into the story of Ben and his Auntie Pat.
The book starts in the park. That's where the bug was first encountered. It's a fun, yet serious story that shows how a bug can be spread and make people feel unwell. It's done in a sensible and sensitive way, through fun and bold illustrations and story, that is engaging for children. As well as the story are facts about keeping clean and the bug that all backs up the story and gently informs children. There are more facts at the back of the book as well, that can be brought into any discussion.
The book also shows the bug being sad that it is making people sick and wants to help. It will dissipate any fear factor, even though, of course the bug won't do that, yet will help children to be able to better understand what is going on, to ease some anxieties, which could also help them to take the situation of Covid 19 more seriously. The book has elements of positivity as it tells of what people are trying to do to make this situation better.
The game is "Spot the Bug". On each page there is a bug to find, which will engage children further into the story of Ben and his Auntie Pat.
The book starts in the park. That's where the bug was first encountered. It's a fun, yet serious story that shows how a bug can be spread and make people feel unwell. It's done in a sensible and sensitive way, through fun and bold illustrations and story, that is engaging for children. As well as the story are facts about keeping clean and the bug that all backs up the story and gently informs children. There are more facts at the back of the book as well, that can be brought into any discussion.
The book also shows the bug being sad that it is making people sick and wants to help. It will dissipate any fear factor, even though, of course the bug won't do that, yet will help children to be able to better understand what is going on, to ease some anxieties, which could also help them to take the situation of Covid 19 more seriously. The book has elements of positivity as it tells of what people are trying to do to make this situation better.
September 24, 2020
Ben and the Bug is written in a poetic style with rhyming couplets. It demonstrates really clearly to children just how fast germs and bugs can spread and how to prevent them through regular washing of hands. The bug in this story is spreading the Coronavirus and as children are very aware of this virus at the moment it was lovely to see it featured in a picture book. Not only does it allow them to relate to something that they know about but it also reiterates the message of how to stay safe and stop the spread. As well as a story this book also provides information with a Did You Know? box on most pages. This is such a lovely added feature and something you can read alongside the story or afterwards. I know my daughter and class enjoyed spotting the information boxes on the pages as well as finding the little bug that was hidden on each page. The final pages are packed with more factual information on COVID19 which is great in providing children with further helpful information about the virus.
September 26, 2020
We currently live in a world dominated by COVID 19 and children whatever their age are aware something is wrong but how do introduce the idea of a virus into a conversation with your child in an unthreatening way? This bright and bold picture book in rhyming style is a fun way to get the message across without scaring them.
Ben finds a new friend at the park a bug. Only Ben can see him, but before long others are feeling his effects. Each page gives helpful hints on what virus are and how to combat them. Mum, a doctor/scientist, saves the day. She shows Ben ways of keeping safe and stopping the spread of the virus and eventually by developing a vaccine.
At the end of the book is a glossary for older children to read or for parents to discuss with younger kids. The book is user-friendly, helps children to understand the importance of hygiene and that superheroes are sometimes the people you take for granted.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Ben finds a new friend at the park a bug. Only Ben can see him, but before long others are feeling his effects. Each page gives helpful hints on what virus are and how to combat them. Mum, a doctor/scientist, saves the day. She shows Ben ways of keeping safe and stopping the spread of the virus and eventually by developing a vaccine.
At the end of the book is a glossary for older children to read or for parents to discuss with younger kids. The book is user-friendly, helps children to understand the importance of hygiene and that superheroes are sometimes the people you take for granted.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
October 2, 2020
Today I've the opportunity to review this topical and important children's book and part of the blog tour. This fantastic little book has a storyline all about Ben and his family (incidentally it is a nice touch that Ben's Mum is a doctor) and how Covid-19 effects their lives.
I thought this was an engaging and fantastic way in which to explain what is currently happening with the virus to a young child. It is written in a gentle, clear simple style in rhyming couplets. There are little bugs to find on each page too.
For the older child there are 'Did You Know' fact boxes which relay simple facts about Coronavirus, along with re-enforcing messages about handwashing and social distancing.
The illustrations are fun, clear and bright and relate easily to the text.
Overall it's a great book to help parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers to explain about the virus in an uncomplicated way.
I'll definitely be passing this book onto the little people in my family.
I thought this was an engaging and fantastic way in which to explain what is currently happening with the virus to a young child. It is written in a gentle, clear simple style in rhyming couplets. There are little bugs to find on each page too.
For the older child there are 'Did You Know' fact boxes which relay simple facts about Coronavirus, along with re-enforcing messages about handwashing and social distancing.
The illustrations are fun, clear and bright and relate easily to the text.
Overall it's a great book to help parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers to explain about the virus in an uncomplicated way.
I'll definitely be passing this book onto the little people in my family.
July 27, 2020
Ben and the Bug is another wonderful children’s book by UK author Natalie Reeves Billing. The story and rhyming is so sweet with beautiful illustrations. Ben meets Bug at the park and brings him home to play. But then everyone quickly starts getting sick and Ben realizes that his new friend is not what he seems. This book is a wonderful way to explain to children about the Corona virus and teaches the importance of washing your hands. There are also little boxes with important facts about the Corona virus which I thought was another wonderful resource that the author implemented. I highly recommend this book.
September 30, 2020
This is a book which will be a great source for discussion of the current effects of Coronavirus and how children can protect themselves from it. Told in simple terms, with bold illustrations, the bug is seen in everyday settings which a child can identify with. The text is written in rhyme. The message behind the book can be applied to a range of 'bugs' and there is a hopeful tone at the end. There are also some useful facts at the end of the book for further discussion and for those who prefer a non-fiction approach.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
January 16, 2021
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I think that this is a book that is really needed and it would be the perfect book to give to children at school to enable them to read more about Covid-19 and the issues that come from that as I know a lot of children that have gained an increased anxiety as a result of Covid and this explains it at a level targeted at them.
This book is was very apt with the timing, it was out earlier this year but I read it when the second wave was starting to pick up and I thought that it was brilliant and a great way to explain it, it gives a mini summary of the symptoms, what it is, how it spreads, etc so there is a bit of science in there too.
The rhyming nature of the story was great too and again with the other books I have read by this author (this being my third now) the illustrations are superb! It is 5 stars from me - it is very well done and definitely one I will be recommending!
I think that this is a book that is really needed and it would be the perfect book to give to children at school to enable them to read more about Covid-19 and the issues that come from that as I know a lot of children that have gained an increased anxiety as a result of Covid and this explains it at a level targeted at them.
This book is was very apt with the timing, it was out earlier this year but I read it when the second wave was starting to pick up and I thought that it was brilliant and a great way to explain it, it gives a mini summary of the symptoms, what it is, how it spreads, etc so there is a bit of science in there too.
The rhyming nature of the story was great too and again with the other books I have read by this author (this being my third now) the illustrations are superb! It is 5 stars from me - it is very well done and definitely one I will be recommending!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews