Hello, Can I Bug You

by Sherry Roberts, Marta Taylor (Illustrator)

Jasper likes bugs. Briella likes to swing. Both of them are quiet and shy.

One day Briella takes a chance and asks Jasper to be her friend. She soon realizes that getting Jasper's attention will take a lot of effort.

After several failed tries, Briella learns that making a new friend can be rewarding and fun, especially when bugs are involved.

Genres: Picture Books

30 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2023

About the author

Sherry Roberts is an award-winning author and photographer of children’s picture books, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas…A First for Gus; Hello, Can I Bug You?; Sonnet, Sonnet, What’s In Your Bonnet?; The Best Reading Buddy; What’s Wrong With Barnaby? and A Visit Through the Wetlands. This is book two of her debut middle grade series. Book one, The Galaxy According to Cece, began the series. Look for book three, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Stars Align, in early 2025. You can visit her website at www.sjrobertscreative.net to read more about her.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love "Hello, Can I Bug You?" written by Sherry Roberts and illustrated by Marta Taylor. It is a wonderful friendship story. It's especially perfect for kids who are shy and find making friends daunting--and that was definitely me as a child! I love how Briella notices that other kids are making fun of Jasper, maybe because he is quiet and different, and how she decides to make friends with him--she relates to Jasper as she's quiet, too, and making friends is challenging for her, too. Children will enjoy reading about her attempts to become Jasper's friend--and there are some wonderfully fun and funny moments. I wish I'd had this book when I was a kid! I highly recommend it.

[Berrie Torgan-Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briella wants to make friends with Jasper but he seems to be only interested in bugs. When she offers him a gummy treat he shyly says no. When Briella thinks she found the perfect way to "bug" Jasper it becomes a disastrous situation and she thinks that Jasper will never become her friend. Until Jasper gives her a box of gummy worms and a heartfelt note inviting her to be his friend. This is for children who feel shy about approaching another shy child to be their friend and how sometimes you have to make sacrifices (in Briella's case it's getting over her fear of bugs) in order to make a new friend.

[Marin . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendships are vital for children - they help youngsters build self-esteem and trust.
HELLO, CAN I BUG YOU is a nice picture book about befriending someone who is obviously shy and different.
The story is simple yet cute, the language is easy to comprehend, and the number of words is just enough to satisfy children's short span of attention.
The author cleverly highlights the benefit of friendship.
The illustrations are a good map of the story.
The dead ladybug was the only thing that confused me.
Was it needed?
Let the little ones decide.

I received a free copy of the book from the author.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

HELLO, CAN I BUG YOU? is a sweet picture book about making new friends at school.

Author Sherry Roberts created two shy characters with different interests to show that it takes a bit of bravery and perseverance to befriend someone. A simple plot and dialogue is easy for young readers to comprehend. Kids will also enjoy pointing out the many cute bugs in artist Marta Taylor’s illustrations.

Want to support the writer, artist, and many others who brought this book to life? Borrow and/or buy the book, ask your local bookstore/library to purchase copies, and share your review of the book online.

[Kathleen Gauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how this book emphasizes finding a friend by being kind and that it’s alright to be different. Brielle likes books and Jasper is interested in bugs. The kids at school make fun of Jasper because he’s different and quiet. Brielle understands how difficult it can be to make friends and builds up the courage to speak to Jasper. The illustrations are bright and charming and the story is heartwarming and cleverly-crafted. This book would make a great gift for budding readers and a perfect addition for home and/or elementary classroom libraries!

[Deanna Bussadori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just because someone is different doesn't mean you can't be friends and this is what Briella learned in this story. It just takes a little perseverance to get someone to notice you.

This is a cute story about friendship between Briella and Jasper and how Briella, even though shy, had to work a little to gain a friend. Jasper's hobby of finding and learning about bugs was not quite what Briella enjoyed but she made an effort and in doing so, made a friend. Great for all kids but especially for those who are shy and find it difficult to start a conversation or reach out to others.

[Jean Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun children's book about finding friendships. Along with the sweet illustration, it fosters a sense of children's dedication to friendship through observation, questions and persistence when seeking out the new friend. One of the best elements of this book is the friend's reciprocation of each other's interests and how they share each other's likes as they get to know each other. As a result the reader gets to see how taking a chance and asking a question can lead not only to learning something new, but of gaining a new friend in the end.

[Natalia Paruzel-Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, Can I Bug You is a tender story about the beginning stages of a sweet friendship between Briella and Jasper. Briella is empathetic towards Jasper who she recognizes as being considered as "different" by others. Her kind heart leads her to connect with Jasper by approaching him in a relatable way.

The friendship is forged out of the very best of intentions and fosters building an inclusive environment. A lovely book to gift to all preschool and primary school-aged children.

[Nadia Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, Can I Bug You, by Sherry Roberts, illustrated by Marta Taylor, is a sweet story about finding friendship complimented by lovely illustrations by Marta. It is relatable to many kids who find it difficult to fit in and make friends. Sherry does a wonderful job of connecting the two main characters through their love of bugs. A great social-emotional learning book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, Can I Bug you captures the essence of friendship. It's a terrific example of a social emotional learning book and beautifully shows how two kids who don't feel like they fit in with others can fit with each other in a fun and meaningful friendship. The emphasis on bugs will certainly be appealing for many young readers!

[Karen Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, Can I Bug You is book about friendship. Briella wants Jasper to be her friend. She thoughtfully thinks of ways to get Jasper talking and to becoming his friend. It is not always easy for children to make friends and this book is a good way to begin a conversation with children about friendship. Great book for parents, teachers and librarians.

[Laurie Carmody · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the catchy title to the fun, colorful illustrations, this story is a delightful celebration of blossoming friendship. Sometimes it takes a few tries to make a new friend, and the text gently affirms all the emotions that go along with that process. Bug (and candy!) lovers will enjoy this story!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bugs are not everyone's favorites but making friends with a bug enthusiast is worth the "yuk." The typical stop and start of a new friendship is playfully traced offering a good example of finding common ground and determination to overcome shyness. Fresh colorful art focuses on the characters and story.

[Ali DeMoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet book about the beginnings of friendship, and the effort and time that is sometimes needed to create a meaningful relationship. Great for kids as they enter the age of seeing new friendships blossom. A really nice story that promotes empathy, patience, curiosity, compassion, and compromise.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, Can I Bug You, is a sweet story about kindness and having the courage to make a new friend.
Briella is shy and notices Jason is also quiet and shy, lost in his world of bugs. She tries to make friends by offering him gummy worms then yucky real bugs. An unexpected offering leads to friendship.

[Janice Vanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Value of Friendship

I loved how Briella never gave up on trying to be friends with Jasper. Sherry Roberts’ book shows not only the joy of friendship, but the value of persistence. Marta Taylor’s illustrations are delightful, especially those that show Briella’a attempts to find just the right bug for Jasper!

[Shirin Shamsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, Can I Bug You, by Sherry Roberts, illustrated by Marta Taylor, is a social-and-emotional-learning book about shyness and friendship. It’s a story of empathy, kindness, friendship - and bugs. This is an important book - for many children who feel different and don’t fit in.

[Kirsten]

Hello Can I Bug You is a tale of kindness and friendship. Briella shows young readers how to be vulnerable and take risks to try new things and form new friendships, even when it requires perseverance. This is a helpful book for kids navigating friendship challenges.

[Kelly Birdsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story with my son. It has an essential message about becoming friends with someone even if they have different interests. The colorful illustrations are fantastic and engaging. This is an excellent story for all readers, especially kids who are trying to make a new friend.

[Erica Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about discovery and friendship. It encourages curiosity in the natural world and delivers the message that friendship doesn't always come naturally, but it is worth looking for.

[Darshana Khiani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book about making friends, and gosh it can be tough sometimes. My favorite scene was the note which read "You like gummies so I ate the chocolates. ..." Love the kid-like thinking. The illustrations are child-appealing. A book full of heart that is sure to resonate with young readers.

[Heather Stigall · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll cheer for Brielle and she tries to find a way to become Jasper's friend, even if it means looking for bugs! A sweet story of friendship, patience, and perseverance.

[Gabriella Aldeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story of friendship that answers the question: How can I make friends?

[Robert J. Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for children.

Very good!! The story is so inspirational and valuable for children. Making friends is crucial and this approach is a valuable lesson for life! Congratulations Dr. Roberts! Good job!