The bug book by Tania Ingram. Illus. by Lucinda Gifford

Young children are fascinated by bugs and love to spend time outdoors searching for them. This delightful new release The Bug Book written by South Australian author Tania Ingram and illustrated by Lucinda Gifford is a perfect introduction to many familiar and perhaps unfamiliar bugs. The bright and vivid cover catches the eye and offers immediate appeal with the boldly drawn bugs showing a sense of fun and playfulness.

Beginning with a simple question 'What are bugs?' readers are enticed to find some bugs on the following pages. The clever rhyming text is minimal, well-spaced and perfectly introduces each bug, gloriously presented in a large colourful format.  The use of descriptive words such as shiny bug, spiny bug, swooshy-wooshy-wing bug plus movement words such as slide bug, glide bug, prickle bug, tickle bug, along with comparative words such as long, short, big, small, add wonderful learning opportunities to introduce young readers to new language skills and build on their vocabulary.  As an added and thoughtful bonus on the final page, each bug is shown with its common name.

This beautiful book will be enjoyed by many and would be a wonderful addition to a home, childcare, kindy, preschool or Junior Primary library.

Learning resources can be found at ACTIVITIES — Lucinda Gifford

Themes: Bugs, Fun facts, Rhyme.

Kathryn Beilby