Ruby and the Itsy-Bitsy (Icky) Bug

by Allison Wortche, Sally Walker (Illustrations)

Ruby does NOT like bugs! Until she's forced to spend some time looking more closely at one... A funny story for kids with big feelings and curious minds.

When Ruby discovers a bug on her window one morning she FREAKS OUT! She loves animals, just NOT bugs!

But no amount of blowing or squirting or yelling will get this bug to go away. It will get Ruby stuck in a time out.

With lots of time to study Mr. Yuck-bug, Ruby grudgingly decides he may have some interesting qualities after all. He's strong. A good listener. And his little antennae might be an itsy-bit cute.

Over the course of the day, Ruby gets almost attached to the guy. And when night falls, she sees him in a surprising new way!

Allison Wortche and Sally Walker team up to show readers how something can go from gross to great when looked at in the proper light.

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Childrens, Family, Growth Mindset

40 pages, Library Binding

Published June 21, 2022

About the author

Allison Wortche is a fifteen-year veteran of the children's publishing industry. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, she edited books at Knopf BFYR/Penguin Random House. She now splits her time between writing and freelance editing.

Allison is the author of OLIVER'S LOLLIPOP, ROSIE SPROUT'S TIME TO SHINE, and the I LOVE SCIENCE board book series. To find out more, please visit her at https://www.allisonwortche.com and https://www.instagram.com/allisonwortche.

Reviews

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a darling book that my second graders loved. It pairs beautifully with so many different non-fiction titles.

[Nanny Miss Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disgusting little insect is all it takes to ruin Ruby’s perfect Saturday morning. Mommy and Daddy don’t think it’s a big deal, since it’s outside and it’s tiny, but Ruby knows this is too serious to ignore. She loves animals and music, and wants to be a scientist when she grows up, but her big brain and imagination aren't enough for her to tolerate the unknown invader. Eventually, her curiosity (and an appropriate timeout from the parents) give Ruby some time to get to know the bug. There may be hope after all for this budding friendship!

Cute, funny, and smart, “Ruby and the Itsy-Bitsy Icky Bug” by notable children’s book author Allison Wortche is an inspiring tale. Insects are some of kids’ first and frequent experiences with nature. For some, they can be pretty fascinating, but for many, they can be equally frightening. The book normalizes and appreciates the presence of all living things, while celebrating the potential of children who are encouraged to learn science at any age. Veteran UK designer Sally Walker vividly captures Ruby’s fascinating world with bright and adorable illustrations.

[Dawn Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise was cute but the execution of the story was lacking. Lots of disconnect. But again, the premise of a little girl afraid of an ugly bug stuck on her bedroom window screen had the potential for a fun story. This one misses the mark. And the illustrations did little to enhance the story; I thought they were ordinary.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Seeing that others have tagged this as a growth mindset story, I would concur. Ruby grows to like the bug (insect) that spends the day in her window. Along with those who are looking for new growth mindset titles to share with their children or students, give this to those who are looking for a new read-alouds.

[Kelsie Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the cutest book ever! I loved the fun storyline and humor of Ruby being scared of bugs. This book introduces big words, which is great for developing vocabulary. I think a lot of students can relate to this book. I loved the illustrations and thought they were very engaging!

[Ashley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutly loved this book! Everything about it makes me smile. I have a connection to this book because I don't like bugs either. However, I also relate to making pieces with the bugs in my room. I will read this book aloud to my classroom.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how Ruby started out hating bugs but then changed her tune the more she observed it and learned about it. This book does a great job of encouraging kids to research topics which as an elementary librarian I absolutely adore!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A STEM-centered inquiry and a wonderful reminder for kids that sometimes when we don't like something it is only because we don't yet understand it.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super cute.

[Leova Manbhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how this Ruby started out hating the bug but later discovering that it is cool!

[Bookslut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, funny, exceeded my expectations.

[Kaelee Bungard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are very cute and this is a great simple read. A cute book about how bugs can br cool too!

[Christina Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid read aloud about getting over the fear of bugs.

[Michael Lent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read! Adventure is all around us and can happen when we least expect it. Even learned a little, too.

[Josie Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be a very good for students to read because a lot of students can relate to this book with being grossed out with bugs. I really loved all the pictures and how it described the girls passions throughout the book.

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cute simple picture book was about a gross bug being stuck on Ruby's window. Ruby gets a timeout and spends the time learning a little more about the icky bug. What will she find out?