Don't Kill the Bugs: How Kids Can Be Heroes for Creatures Big and Small

by Berthe Jansen, Victoria Coles (Illustrator)

Bugs are all around us, and with a simple mantra—be kind, don’t kill!—children ages 3–7 can all be everyday heroes for the creatures with whom we share our world.

Follow Bu and his new friends as they spend a lovely day adventuring through the park, encountering creatures who crawl and buzz all around us—bugs! From spiders and ladybugs to bees and beetles, this story shows kids that every living creature deserves our kindness and compassion. Kids learn to be still while a bee is buzzing and help a beetle that is trapped in water.

Due to their small size, bugs are some of the first living beings that children come into contact with that they have control over. This book presents a clear and practical discussion of how we can live peacefully together with these creatures.

Through these thoughtful interactions, they can see that these creatures aren't scary at all, and we can coexist with them

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet children's book reminds readers that you don't need to kill bugs, while acknowledging the fear that some children may have towards these unfamiliar creatures. With nice clean fonts and detailed illustrations, this book is easy to read and will be perfect for young children who are preparing to be able to read. The messages are important and well done, and I definitely think this would be a great book for a preschool to grade 2 classroom library, though I know some of my Grade 3s and 4s could benefit from reading it too! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

[Amber Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how it starts rhyming immediately. I like how it teaches children that sometimes the things they are afraid of, are just as afraid of them. Teaching children to leave bugs alone and not kill them is great! Spreading the message that a superhero saves a life, not destroy it. The artwork was easy for a child to understand.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable little character named Bu and his new friends are in the park together. They encounter a variety of bugs that his friends do not want to dispense kindness to. Bu intervenes and persuades them to take a closer look stating that these little creatures have feelings too so they should be treated with respect and compassion.

The book sparks conversations of how both humans and bugs can live peacefully together and learn from each other. Through different scenarios kids are taught that bugs won't harm you and we can coexist with them happily.

Written in rhyme the story is an important one. The illustrations are very expressive and kid-friendly. It teaches kids how to love and esteem the lives of the bugs that we find in our world. The story has a very positive and important life lesson. We all can be superheroes as we save lives not destroy them.

[Snapdragon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the message, but there were a few things that troubled me. Not all insects are harmless. Where I live, the most deadly animal is the mosquito. Ticks are another problem in my area that can cause Lyme disease. Some bees / wasps are very aggressive and just ignoring them doesn't make them go away. Some spiders are horribly poisonous. On another note, the illustrations in the book showed the spiders with only six legs instead of eight legs. Accuracy is important. I understand the concept of having great respect for living things, but not to the detriment of the health and safety of my loved ones. Being able to identify and differentiate the friendly bugs from the harmful ones would be a good lesson. I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book that teaches children mindfulness, compassion, and the power of being a good influence. Follow a group of kids at the park as they learn how to be respectful and loving towards all beings. The author's note at the end shares the importance of this practice from a buddhist perspective, but it's relevant for anyone and everyone.

Thank you to Shambhala Publications and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy for us to review. My family enjoyed this one!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, how it rhymed, and the illustrations. I like how it shows that it's ok to be afraid, finding other things to do when bored, showing how to be respectful and loving towards bugs instead of bugs which they can use in towards humans as well. It shows how you can make friends and finding other things to do instead of being unking. My nephew really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the copy that I won in the Goodreads giveaway.

[Sara | Letsgetlostinreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Living beings are simply not toys. They don’t want to play with little girls or boys”
Cute book about the importance of bugs and importance of kindness. It showcased a few different bugs/insects and the safest way to “play” with them. The message was touching:
All beings need love.
The illustrations were nicely done.
Great message and my 5 year old loved it!

[Lucy Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book about one child who educates others to be mindful of the bugs living around them. It teaches the message that bugs are living creatures, and should be left alone (or helped when needed) and never killed or toyed with.

Thank you Netgalley for the review copy

[P Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that should be in every child’s library! The illustrations are wonderful. As a Hindu, this is book is a great read on way we should respect and not hurt or play with bugs.

#goodreadsgiveawaywinner

[Rose Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to a 4 1/2 year old that was known for "not really being into books". He absolutely loved the book and was focused more than I expected. I recommend this book and will be on the lookout for more books by this author. MAKE READING INTERESTING AND FUN!

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Goodreads giveaway

My nieces enjoyed this book, very sweet way to show that all animal/bugs matter

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute book, great illustrations, nicely written message that kid will understand! Highly recommend.