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Big Bug Surprise

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Think DIARY OF A WORM meets OLIVIA....
Introducing Prunella--an irresistibly irrepressible, independent, bug-loving little girl, sure to create quite a buzz!

Prunella is aflutter to share her big bug surprise at show-and-tell. But suddenly, the classroom is abuzz with an even bigger bug surprise! A swarm of bees has invaded! With her teacher and her classmates frantic, can Prunella's buggy know-how save the day? Luckily, Prunella has an idea. And like a true queen, she leads the bees safely to a new hive. Her teacher is impressed! Her classmates cheer! But what does Prunella do? She shares more bug facts, of course, and her audience couldn't beeeee more delighted.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

4 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Julia Gran

6 books1 follower

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5 stars
30 (21%)
4 stars
48 (34%)
3 stars
55 (39%)
2 stars
7 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
65 reviews
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February 27, 2024
This book revolves around Pruella. No one wanted to pay attention to her. A swarm of bees filled her classroom. Pruella used a jelly sandwich to lead them out of the classroom while being covered in a sheet. Afterwards, everyone payed attention to her show and tell (Gran, J. (2008). Big bug surprise. CNIB).

The appropriate audience for this book would be kindergarten to fifth grade. It is easy to read and follow along. It also has many pictures to keep the children's attention.

I selected this book because it shows how you can gain the respect of other people. Sometimes people may show no interest in you for whatever reason. When you do something amazing, it will always seem to catch the attention of other people. You will always be remembered for this and gain the respect of others.
Profile Image for Lauren Williams.
36 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2017
In Big Bug Surprise the main character, Prunella had show-and-tell for school and she brought one of many bugs from her collection. The overall plot of the story was not very exciting, but I think that many children would like to learn new facts about insects which would keep them interested. Personally I felt that the illustrations in the book overpowered the writing because they took up the entire page. On many pages the font was small in comparison to the background and artwork featured in the book.
648 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2020
If you collected bugs which one would you take to school for show-and-tell? As Prunella prepares her presentation she is overflowing with facts about all kinds of bugs...however, her constant companion which can be found throughout the illustrations is a spider (which is not a bug). During Prunella's presentation there is a bug catastrophe but Prunella knows exactly what to do...and saves the day...and now everyone wants to know more about the amazing bug community.

The illustrations are large and comical.
The last page has a few buggy facts.
Profile Image for Anthony.
7,401 reviews33 followers
April 8, 2019
Prunella was trying to decide which of her bugs she was going to take to show and tell. During her wait to present her bug, a queen bee flew into the classroom, and while everyone panicked Prunella knew just what to do. A fun book with big bug facts listed at the end.
Profile Image for eRin.
702 reviews35 followers
June 14, 2008
Prunella loves bugs. Loves them. She is so excited for show and tell day so that she can share her knowledge of bugs and insects with the rest of the class. Throughout the day she relates information to her family, classmates and bus driver about bugs. Then, when it's FINALLY her turn for show and tell, the classroom is inundated with bees. Everyone freaks out except Prunella. She has a plan.

Fun little story. I loved the illustrations. Neat section of bug facts at the end of the book--gives more detail about the bugs that were mentioned in the book.
Profile Image for Sophie.
9 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2011
i like this book because the class liked Prunella when she led the queen bee out of the classroom. It was funny when her show and tell was a Dung beetle and dung beetles also eat poo. before everyone liked her no one cared about bugs even her parents didnt even care i really like this book and its one of my favourite books.
Profile Image for Sarah S.
548 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2011
Every time Prunella tries to tell someone about her favorite subject (that would be bugs), they say, "Not now, Prunella." Her enthusiasm is undampened, and a good thing, too, since there are some unwanted flying guests on Show-and-Tell day. Gran's silly, curly illustrations and Prunella's glee keep the whole thing uptempo. Gr. K-3.
Profile Image for The Brothers.
4,118 reviews24 followers
January 21, 2016
A really fun story about a little girl who loves bugs and tries to share that joy with everyone only to be told, "Not now, Prunella!" But when a swarm of bees threatens the classroom, Prunella is the only one who know what to do to save the day.

Engaging, slightly goofy illustrations. Fun to see all the bug-related furniture and clothes for Prunella.
Profile Image for Dolly.
Author 1 book668 followers
June 28, 2008
Fun story - Our girls love bugs. I try so hard not to impart any of my fears or girlish, screaming, jump-on-the-chair silliness onto them, so we read lots of books about creepy crawly things. I hope it works!
Profile Image for Butterflycager.
95 reviews15 followers
May 23, 2011
My little girls are fascinated by bugs, and they recognized a kindred spirit in the character Prunella, who has a bedroom full of pet bugs and bug-related decorations. I liked Prunella because she was smart and strong and confident.
Profile Image for Janessa.
28 reviews
August 5, 2016
This book is so funny. The main character is so into bugs and is not afraid of them at all. She cant wait to share with her class her bug. This would be fun to do with an insect unit. In the back there are some bug facts too so it is and informational book as well.
3,239 reviews
March 1, 2013
Prunella knows so much about insects that people get bored listening to her talk, but when her classroom fills up with bees during show-and-tell, Prunella saves the day. Includes facts about insects.
75 reviews
September 10, 2013
This book is very informational for younger elementary grades that are learning about insects!Everything from dragonflies to dung beetles, students can follow the young character though a show and tell to learn even more fascinating bug facts.
31 reviews
October 14, 2013
I thought this book was funny. I thought that the illustrations were really good too. I liked the way that the action practically comes of the page and I could see reading this books to kids and them ewwing along with the book.
Profile Image for Mary Jane.
255 reviews
June 29, 2009
My 5 year-old loved this book. It's a cute story of a girl and how she loves bugs.
Profile Image for Anne.
81 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2009
Bug lover in your house? This is a must read. Fun facts in the book presented in a fun way. Even talks about the dung beetle - which what kid doesn't like to hear about a bug that eats poop?
Profile Image for Vivian.
2,397 reviews
July 23, 2010
Our heroine, Prunella, is a bug enthusiast. Her dilemma is deciding which species to feature at show-and-tell.
Profile Image for Tina.
233 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2012
This book is awesome for the eager little ones that like bugs! And the illustrations are very fun, colourful and eye-catching.
Profile Image for ↜ƈɦǟռ☂ɛℓℓɛ↝.
1,296 reviews142 followers
April 12, 2013
The big bug surprise, is about another child, too excited about show and tell. Busting at the seams all day, then getting interrupted by swarming bees. Will she every get to share her show and tell.
Profile Image for Diane.
5 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2007
also for school age - bug facts
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews