Junebug: No Life Too Small

by Nicole Daniels, Addy Rivera Sonda (Illustrator)

In this charming story about respecting the smallest forms of life, June helps her friends see that we should not harm those who have a right to be here just as we do, no matter how tiny they are. She demonstrates actions we can take to keep bugs and little critters out of harm's way. The inspiration for Junebug came from things that author Nicole Daniels did as a child to save bugs.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 25, 2020

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet little book is a delight. It's so refreshing to see a picture book starring a little girl who likes bugs. I was once a little girl who observed and rescued bugs just like June does, and I know I would have treasured this story had it been around for me to enjoy.

Throughout the book, June and her friends encounter various insects and spiders outdoors, and June explains why they are important and why we should leave them alone to do their jobs in nature. When a beetle falls into a swimming pool and a cricket winds up in her classroom, June demonstrates how to safely relocate them outside. Being kind to small creatures is a choice that kids can make in their own daily lives, while many other humane values involve choices that kids may not have a lot of say in.

The illustrations have a cute, modern look, with a multicultural cast of children. After nearly every encounter with a bug, we see a wordless page depicting that type of insect in their natural habitats. It's a nice touch that kids will enjoy, and will more than likely spark some good conversations.

I like to evaluate humane education books for their mainstream appeal, not just for those looking specifically for content promoting humane values. JUNEBUG is one of the most mainstream and accessible books from Vegan Publishers. As long as the company's insistence on putting their logo very visibly on the book jacket (a significant number of omnivores still see the word "vegan" as a threat and will reject it outright) doesn't hobble the book's success, JUNEBUG will be a great addition to any public or school library. It's appealing and welcoming, and teaches a kind value that kids can relate to and practice without being overbearing.

[annalee ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and informative, this children’s book is a perfect introduction to respecting all forms of life and teaching children about the different types of insects that inhabit our world! I love how it’s explained why we should leave insects alone instead of just saying that we should.

[Carley Peace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book becuase it’s a simple but thoughtful story that encourages kindness toward even the smallest creatures. As a future teacher, I could see using it to start a conversation about empathy and respecting nature in the classroom.

[Jessica Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about June. June loves bugs. When June sees people misbehave around bugs, she stops them. She tells them why the bugs are important, and asks them to be kind. Many lives are changed, and many are saved.

[Makenna Conner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is so cute! It teaches kids to care about the small animals of our planet and respect their ecosystems.

[Emaline Morse · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the illustrations
also good to teach kids not to kill bugs
rescuing worms 🪱 = izzy
really good storytelling with narration