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The Insect Hotel: Black and White
Black and White Version: A 2013 'Wishing Shelf' Gold Award Winner!!
Read the fun times and adventures Harry and his Dad share together during the day while working in their garden, then enjoy the fictional bed time stories Dad created for Harry about all the new insect friends they met that day.
The book also contains a lovely foreword from Nature expert and TV personality Bill Oddie who shares his high regard for both book and author with quotes like "if you think you can write better, I bet you can't!."
A book you and your young one's will love and share together.
Read the fun times and adventures Harry and his Dad share together during the day while working in their garden, then enjoy the fictional bed time stories Dad created for Harry about all the new insect friends they met that day.
The book also contains a lovely foreword from Nature expert and TV personality Bill Oddie who shares his high regard for both book and author with quotes like "if you think you can write better, I bet you can't!."
A book you and your young one's will love and share together.
- GenresChildrens
84 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
David Stringer
1 book39 followersDavid has enjoyed reading books since childhood, even though this was frowned upon by his peers, it made his Mum and Grandma proud. And so due to his various studies finally ending, life calming down a little and attempting the Goodreads reading challenge has rediscovered this love. He has also decided to not only read more books, but also review and blog his findings! This has fast become his new hobby. He also recently completed a life long ambition of writing a book, The Insect Hotel, which is about and includes three of his passions: His Family, His love of Nature and humour.
He also works for the National Health Service, in operating theatres.
His book, The Insect Hotel, is about him and his youngest son's real life adventures in the garden as they attempt to occupy themselves as well as get some much needed gardening work done. Each chapter then moves onto bedtime (or should that be battle time) as David attempts to get his youngest off to sleep with some invented bedtime stories from their days adventures.
David is also very proud that Bill Oddie OBE, one of his childhood hero's, agreed to write a lovely foreword for his book. If nothing else develops from this fun activity of attempting to write a book, he'll always treasure some of Bill's kind words.
He also works for the National Health Service, in operating theatres.
His book, The Insect Hotel, is about him and his youngest son's real life adventures in the garden as they attempt to occupy themselves as well as get some much needed gardening work done. Each chapter then moves onto bedtime (or should that be battle time) as David attempts to get his youngest off to sleep with some invented bedtime stories from their days adventures.
David is also very proud that Bill Oddie OBE, one of his childhood hero's, agreed to write a lovely foreword for his book. If nothing else develops from this fun activity of attempting to write a book, he'll always treasure some of Bill's kind words.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 6, 2014
This delightful book has beautiful illustrations and every page is designed with color and cute little insects and such. The stories are fun and each has a nice moral or lesson to it. Professionally done from start to finish. Some of the phrases and language might stump American readers (like calling a Ladybug a Ladybird), but the sharp and witty kids this is written for will figure it out. It would also be great for read aloud to younger kids and great for discussing what the characters learn along the way. Even includes details on how to create your own insect hotel. Highly recommend.
June 27, 2014
A short little book about a man and his charming son, The Insect Hotel is a story that a child of any age (or gender) will enjoy. And not only that, as a parent reading it to my own child, I found it to be enjoyable and humorous too – especially as Harry's dad tries desperately to come up with ideas to get Harry to sleep at night, which is something all parents can relate to.
The story is split up into five chapters, and we get an individual story about each bug in each chapter. Not only is this story ideal for children who like bugs, but it would also be great as an aid to encourage kids who are a little afraid of bugs too, as the characters are all very amusing.
Not only is there great stories, but also wonderful illustrations too – especially the title page, which was just magical.
What I especially liked was at the end, David Stringer gives us advice on how to construct our own Insect Hotel. My own daughter is definitely looking forward to giving it a go with her Grandad at the weekend. What a great way to get the kids outdoors!
I would highly recommend this to all parents and children, and I'll be keeping my eye out for more of David's work.
The story is split up into five chapters, and we get an individual story about each bug in each chapter. Not only is this story ideal for children who like bugs, but it would also be great as an aid to encourage kids who are a little afraid of bugs too, as the characters are all very amusing.
Not only is there great stories, but also wonderful illustrations too – especially the title page, which was just magical.
What I especially liked was at the end, David Stringer gives us advice on how to construct our own Insect Hotel. My own daughter is definitely looking forward to giving it a go with her Grandad at the weekend. What a great way to get the kids outdoors!
I would highly recommend this to all parents and children, and I'll be keeping my eye out for more of David's work.
April 11, 2016
I read my old children's books (or, correctly, books I had when I was a child) usually at times when I'm in need of some confirmation of life and the most direct way of remembering how to enjoy it. The best ones give that in an entertaining and timeless way and remind you exactly why childhood seemed like it went on forever - boundless fascination!
The Insect Hotel is a book in the same guise - it can make children laugh (it made me laugh so the kids must get a kick out of it!) but subconsciously teach those important life lessons. It's a story of Harry and his dad (based around the author and his son); they've built a hotel for the insects in the garden and one night trying to get Harry off to sleep (remember when you didn't feel shattered at the end of the day?) Dad regales Harry with the tale of Woodster the architect woodlouse and his pains trying to get the Hotel finished. Next there's Stinker the beetle, Curly Whirly the snail, Nutmeg and Conundrum the spiders (and I imagine spiders are *exactly* like these two) and finally Gamble the ladybird. All are morality tales, wrapped in a cloak of fun and fantasy as they draw on their themes. There’s no dictation, just a positive message. Curly Whirly was my favourite tale. It resonates very much how I feel about the world around me and it was excellently told. My second favourite was Gamble. Ladybirds are adorable, no argument, and those poor little things give us so much fascination we are constantly examining them (who doesn't go, "ooh, look, a Ladybird!" with a squeal when they land on you?). This is captured particularly well in Gamble's tale. And the die joke. And the frog joke (which I found hilarious!). Even though spiders are my least favourite (but most respected) garden creatures, Nutmeg and Conundrum’s tale was great fun because their personalities felt so perfect, even though they didn't come off particularly well in the end!
Without reserving naughty humour, which is again important in children's books because they get it (plus it forms healthy, sarcastic personalities) David Stringer manages to balance that very childlike feeling of endless days, boundless energy, persistent enthusiasm and appreciation of everything around us. I find myself recalling the days of turning stones to find ants, staying still so butterflies would land on me and being amazed at those spiny caterpillars that come out in force in summertime at first school. Good grounding for taking patiently macro-pictures of dragonflies in modern life (please do dragonflies Mr. Stringer!) which are like cyborg-insect helicopters and astonishing.
The Insect Hotel is important because it enforces that get outside and play aspect of children's lives that modern life is committed to disrupting (I promise this is passion not preachiness!). It offers children (and adults I'd say) living both in cities and out in the green a chance to realise there are whole other words happening within our own, which are significant and fascinating, and can be found in those massive fields or in your back yard. Suffice to say, I want to build one. I loved the book. The cover genuinely captures the atmosphere of the world within, and I wish David the best of luck with this and his future offerings!
(P.S. Dragonflies. And bees.)
The Insect Hotel is a book in the same guise - it can make children laugh (it made me laugh so the kids must get a kick out of it!) but subconsciously teach those important life lessons. It's a story of Harry and his dad (based around the author and his son); they've built a hotel for the insects in the garden and one night trying to get Harry off to sleep (remember when you didn't feel shattered at the end of the day?) Dad regales Harry with the tale of Woodster the architect woodlouse and his pains trying to get the Hotel finished. Next there's Stinker the beetle, Curly Whirly the snail, Nutmeg and Conundrum the spiders (and I imagine spiders are *exactly* like these two) and finally Gamble the ladybird. All are morality tales, wrapped in a cloak of fun and fantasy as they draw on their themes. There’s no dictation, just a positive message. Curly Whirly was my favourite tale. It resonates very much how I feel about the world around me and it was excellently told. My second favourite was Gamble. Ladybirds are adorable, no argument, and those poor little things give us so much fascination we are constantly examining them (who doesn't go, "ooh, look, a Ladybird!" with a squeal when they land on you?). This is captured particularly well in Gamble's tale. And the die joke. And the frog joke (which I found hilarious!). Even though spiders are my least favourite (but most respected) garden creatures, Nutmeg and Conundrum’s tale was great fun because their personalities felt so perfect, even though they didn't come off particularly well in the end!
Without reserving naughty humour, which is again important in children's books because they get it (plus it forms healthy, sarcastic personalities) David Stringer manages to balance that very childlike feeling of endless days, boundless energy, persistent enthusiasm and appreciation of everything around us. I find myself recalling the days of turning stones to find ants, staying still so butterflies would land on me and being amazed at those spiny caterpillars that come out in force in summertime at first school. Good grounding for taking patiently macro-pictures of dragonflies in modern life (please do dragonflies Mr. Stringer!) which are like cyborg-insect helicopters and astonishing.
The Insect Hotel is important because it enforces that get outside and play aspect of children's lives that modern life is committed to disrupting (I promise this is passion not preachiness!). It offers children (and adults I'd say) living both in cities and out in the green a chance to realise there are whole other words happening within our own, which are significant and fascinating, and can be found in those massive fields or in your back yard. Suffice to say, I want to build one. I loved the book. The cover genuinely captures the atmosphere of the world within, and I wish David the best of luck with this and his future offerings!
(P.S. Dragonflies. And bees.)
January 25, 2015
While David Stringer's "The Insect Hotel" is marketed as a children's book, and also reads as one, you can definitely feel the parental tone even if you don't have kids of your own. Adults that read this will surely laugh at the little bits of insight he scatters about on the joys of small children. From the very beginning bits such as, "Harry was still rolling around in his duvet, delaying the bedtime that was quickly approaching, and burning the last bit of endless energy he always had when he knew he’d soon have to go to sleep" had me smiling and thinking of my five year old nephew, and how I've often wondered if there's a way to harness his energy as a renewable source of power.
The PDF was beautiful. Excellent artwork, colors and decorations throughout. Not only was the writing refreshing and funny, the whole package was aesthetically pleasing and fun to read. Stringer does a wonderful job of bringing his stories to life visually and mentally, making for an all around good time. These recollections of quality father-son time are great for families with kids or for teachers in early education. There's something for everyone to learn, and if you haven't laughed by the time you're finished, I don't know what to tell you. Pick this one up and start something new with the little ones.
The PDF was beautiful. Excellent artwork, colors and decorations throughout. Not only was the writing refreshing and funny, the whole package was aesthetically pleasing and fun to read. Stringer does a wonderful job of bringing his stories to life visually and mentally, making for an all around good time. These recollections of quality father-son time are great for families with kids or for teachers in early education. There's something for everyone to learn, and if you haven't laughed by the time you're finished, I don't know what to tell you. Pick this one up and start something new with the little ones.
August 3, 2014
This is a collection of short bedtime stories, and it’s absolutely charming. A little boy and his dad build an insect hotel in their garden, and then the insects come out to do some building too, and stay at the hotel!
It combines the chance to learn about real-life insects the kids will encounter in the garden, with fun stories about each of them. There’s even a picture of each of our insect heroes at the beginning of their story. There are some important life lessons scattered through-out the book, with a lot of emphasis on friendship and teamwork. There are even some safety tips, like wearing a helmet, worked seamlessly into the stories. The narrative voice is fun and absorbing, and your kids are sure to enjoy getting lost in the wonderful stories.
And there is a guide to constructing your own hotel, which definitely makes for a wonderful way to get the kids outdoors.
(Also, I have to add that I found the cover art and illustrations found through-out the book are very beautiful.)
It combines the chance to learn about real-life insects the kids will encounter in the garden, with fun stories about each of them. There’s even a picture of each of our insect heroes at the beginning of their story. There are some important life lessons scattered through-out the book, with a lot of emphasis on friendship and teamwork. There are even some safety tips, like wearing a helmet, worked seamlessly into the stories. The narrative voice is fun and absorbing, and your kids are sure to enjoy getting lost in the wonderful stories.
And there is a guide to constructing your own hotel, which definitely makes for a wonderful way to get the kids outdoors.
(Also, I have to add that I found the cover art and illustrations found through-out the book are very beautiful.)
August 10, 2014
This delightful and educational children's book charms the reader from page one. David Stringer has found a clever way to intersperse fantasy with education, while not compromising on either. Pre-readers will enjoy having this book read to them as the author's descriptive writing style fills the mind with fantastical images that draw you into the world of the Insect Hotel. I certainly hope we see more from this author!
June 27, 2015
'The Insect Hotel' by David Stringer
This is a wonderful & truly unique little book, and like the Quality Street sweets, ‘Made for Sharing’. The cover is designed by Donna Harriman Murillo; it is very bright & beautiful, it is not this however, that makes this book distinctive. I say it is unique, purely because I have never come across a book like this before. The internal pages are all edged with little illustrations, but it is the actual paper that these words & images are printed upon, that makes it so different.
The paper is a strange dry, dusty, garden soil grey colour. Holding the book I could well imagine being out in the garden, in the dry summer heat. Upon turning each page, I felt like I might smudge the words across the sheet and end with little bits of gritty grey dust, upon the tips of my fingers. Of course this didn’t happen thankfully, it was just my over the top imagination, running away with itself.
This book gives you every opportunity for the imagination to run wild. It’s exciting, funny and also educational.
So to the story, it’s all about a little boy called Harry and his Dad. The idea for building an ‘Insect Hotel’ came about one day when Dad wanted to get himself and Harry out into the fresh air. Dad has a great love of nature and he wants to share it with his young son. Together the pair spends their days in the garden, with Harry learning about the insects, plants & wildlife, along with doing little chores, like watering the plants.
Then in the evenings, at bedtime, Dad makes up stories, these are created around the adventures and activities of the day. The little tales are delightful and often funny and Dad hopes they will send Harry off into Dreamland.
Characters & Hotel Guests.
Dad of course is the main character; he is everybody’s dream parent, spending quality time with his son Harry, teaching and nurturing. This little boy, as most children are, is inquisitive with his ‘Why’s’ and ‘What’s this’? How does that work, etc? Then more often than not, his attention span has been lost. His mind has moved on to other things and he is away, off on another adventure or playing on his wonderful yellow (mountain) slide. You’ll get this when you read the book.
The story is actually split into five little chapters, each one for a different insect character and bed-time story.
Chapter 1 is about Woodster – a woodlouse that happens to be the insect equivalent of a ‘Handyman’, his story is mixed in with that of the ants, rushing around with their red shiny safety hats, fixing the roof of the hotel.
Stinker is the star of chapter 2 – a shiny green shield bug, who works as a bowtie salesman. Again to find out the story of Stinker you will have to read the book, unless of course you are an insect specialist and already know about the green shield bug?
Chapter 3’s character is a thrill seeking, young and very energetic snail called Curly Whirly and boy is he fast.
Next chapter 4, which happens to be my favourite of the book, features two spiders – Conundrum & Nutmeg weird names for these arachnids, but hey ho. Spiders have come a long way, since Incy Wincy climbed up the waterspout, for these two are no less than style guru’s who want to re-decorate the ‘Insect Hotel’.
I don’t have an ‘Insect Hotel, in my garden perhaps if I did the design duo might pay it more attention than my house. It’s like the hotel lobby on my landing, with fine silk filigree curtains strewn wall to wall and ceiling to floor. Spider Utopia. However, I would rather put up with their decorating, than lose the protection of these eight legged bodyguards who are great at getting rid of any filthy, germ breeding, low life flies.
Our final character is a little ladybird, who is always being mocked by the other insects, particularly the spiders. Gamble is his name, this he inherited after a rough game of roulette with some big frogs, who happened to be using him as a dice, on account of his spots.
Finally
At the end of the book, we get to learn how the ‘Insect Hotel’ was constructed, and why Dad & Harry took up with the project in the first place, with no costs involved.
Myself I found this a fun and engaging read. A book so exciting that it really must be shared with the whole family. Best of all, it encourages learning, and the chance to enjoy the great outdoors, an activity which will always be FREE!
I sure hope there is a follow up book, the final pages hint at new projects surrounding the extension of the hotel. Now thinking along the lines of Bill Oddie the Comedian (before becoming nature man), this book is ‘Goody Goody, Yum Yum’ (Sorry I had to get this little reference in being as the Great Bill Oddie of the Goodies fame wrote the foreword for this little treasure. Words changed to prevent copyright infringement.)
Very Highly Recommended.
This is a wonderful & truly unique little book, and like the Quality Street sweets, ‘Made for Sharing’. The cover is designed by Donna Harriman Murillo; it is very bright & beautiful, it is not this however, that makes this book distinctive. I say it is unique, purely because I have never come across a book like this before. The internal pages are all edged with little illustrations, but it is the actual paper that these words & images are printed upon, that makes it so different.
The paper is a strange dry, dusty, garden soil grey colour. Holding the book I could well imagine being out in the garden, in the dry summer heat. Upon turning each page, I felt like I might smudge the words across the sheet and end with little bits of gritty grey dust, upon the tips of my fingers. Of course this didn’t happen thankfully, it was just my over the top imagination, running away with itself.
This book gives you every opportunity for the imagination to run wild. It’s exciting, funny and also educational.
So to the story, it’s all about a little boy called Harry and his Dad. The idea for building an ‘Insect Hotel’ came about one day when Dad wanted to get himself and Harry out into the fresh air. Dad has a great love of nature and he wants to share it with his young son. Together the pair spends their days in the garden, with Harry learning about the insects, plants & wildlife, along with doing little chores, like watering the plants.
Then in the evenings, at bedtime, Dad makes up stories, these are created around the adventures and activities of the day. The little tales are delightful and often funny and Dad hopes they will send Harry off into Dreamland.
Characters & Hotel Guests.
Dad of course is the main character; he is everybody’s dream parent, spending quality time with his son Harry, teaching and nurturing. This little boy, as most children are, is inquisitive with his ‘Why’s’ and ‘What’s this’? How does that work, etc? Then more often than not, his attention span has been lost. His mind has moved on to other things and he is away, off on another adventure or playing on his wonderful yellow (mountain) slide. You’ll get this when you read the book.
The story is actually split into five little chapters, each one for a different insect character and bed-time story.
Chapter 1 is about Woodster – a woodlouse that happens to be the insect equivalent of a ‘Handyman’, his story is mixed in with that of the ants, rushing around with their red shiny safety hats, fixing the roof of the hotel.
Stinker is the star of chapter 2 – a shiny green shield bug, who works as a bowtie salesman. Again to find out the story of Stinker you will have to read the book, unless of course you are an insect specialist and already know about the green shield bug?
Chapter 3’s character is a thrill seeking, young and very energetic snail called Curly Whirly and boy is he fast.
Next chapter 4, which happens to be my favourite of the book, features two spiders – Conundrum & Nutmeg weird names for these arachnids, but hey ho. Spiders have come a long way, since Incy Wincy climbed up the waterspout, for these two are no less than style guru’s who want to re-decorate the ‘Insect Hotel’.
I don’t have an ‘Insect Hotel, in my garden perhaps if I did the design duo might pay it more attention than my house. It’s like the hotel lobby on my landing, with fine silk filigree curtains strewn wall to wall and ceiling to floor. Spider Utopia. However, I would rather put up with their decorating, than lose the protection of these eight legged bodyguards who are great at getting rid of any filthy, germ breeding, low life flies.
Our final character is a little ladybird, who is always being mocked by the other insects, particularly the spiders. Gamble is his name, this he inherited after a rough game of roulette with some big frogs, who happened to be using him as a dice, on account of his spots.
Finally
At the end of the book, we get to learn how the ‘Insect Hotel’ was constructed, and why Dad & Harry took up with the project in the first place, with no costs involved.
Myself I found this a fun and engaging read. A book so exciting that it really must be shared with the whole family. Best of all, it encourages learning, and the chance to enjoy the great outdoors, an activity which will always be FREE!
I sure hope there is a follow up book, the final pages hint at new projects surrounding the extension of the hotel. Now thinking along the lines of Bill Oddie the Comedian (before becoming nature man), this book is ‘Goody Goody, Yum Yum’ (Sorry I had to get this little reference in being as the Great Bill Oddie of the Goodies fame wrote the foreword for this little treasure. Words changed to prevent copyright infringement.)
Very Highly Recommended.
December 26, 2014
Simply Delightful! As a grade 4 teacher I have often noted my students (particularly boys) fascination with insects and bugs. The Insect Hotel does not disappoint! In a writing style similar to Roald Dahl an attentive father builds an insect hotel and then, as his son and he watch the various bugs that inhabit the hotel, comes up with delightful tales about many of the insects. My personal favorite was about Curly Whirly, the snail who races! My students will love this clever book with its lovely illustrations and cover. Highly recommended.
August 29, 2015
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
First off the cover of this book is so beautiful!!
It's a sweet little fast read for children and their parents or adults :)
This book is about Harry and his dad making an inset hotel and his dad made up stories about the bugs they put in the hotel. It was so cute and I loved the little bugs. They all had names and their own little stories!
The author tells at the end how they made their real insect hotel and I think it's a great idea :)
First off the cover of this book is so beautiful!!
It's a sweet little fast read for children and their parents or adults :)
This book is about Harry and his dad making an inset hotel and his dad made up stories about the bugs they put in the hotel. It was so cute and I loved the little bugs. They all had names and their own little stories!
The author tells at the end how they made their real insect hotel and I think it's a great idea :)
September 13, 2014
A Wonderful Bedtime Read!
For a long time I’ve been looking for a good book to read to my little girl and I am so glad that I came across this wonderful children’s book! First of all, my Emma really loved the illustrations and as a parent I want to say another big “thank you” to the author for helping her overcome her fear of little buggies, she loves them now!
The story itself is very warm, kind, and very, very well-written. What I liked the most was that the author is not using a so-called “children” language, but speaks to his young readers more like little adults, which it great!
Also, what makes it such a great bed time story is that it’s separated into several chapters and even though the narration continues through the whole story, every chapter is kind of a story all its own, which makes it easier for the parents to stop right when their child starts nodding off.
As for the plot, it describes the adventures of different insects living at the Insect Hotel, built by a Father and his son Harry. Every night before bed Harry’s Dad tells him what happened to the new “guest” at their Hotel, and you can’t help but root for those little fellas. They all have a very busy life: they build, they sell and they race. And some distinctive features of those little guys are explained so easily, that every kid can now tell why they are shaped the way they are and why Green Shield bug is called Stinker.
I loved it, Emma loved it, and she can’t wait for the next book!
For a long time I’ve been looking for a good book to read to my little girl and I am so glad that I came across this wonderful children’s book! First of all, my Emma really loved the illustrations and as a parent I want to say another big “thank you” to the author for helping her overcome her fear of little buggies, she loves them now!
The story itself is very warm, kind, and very, very well-written. What I liked the most was that the author is not using a so-called “children” language, but speaks to his young readers more like little adults, which it great!
Also, what makes it such a great bed time story is that it’s separated into several chapters and even though the narration continues through the whole story, every chapter is kind of a story all its own, which makes it easier for the parents to stop right when their child starts nodding off.
As for the plot, it describes the adventures of different insects living at the Insect Hotel, built by a Father and his son Harry. Every night before bed Harry’s Dad tells him what happened to the new “guest” at their Hotel, and you can’t help but root for those little fellas. They all have a very busy life: they build, they sell and they race. And some distinctive features of those little guys are explained so easily, that every kid can now tell why they are shaped the way they are and why Green Shield bug is called Stinker.
I loved it, Emma loved it, and she can’t wait for the next book!
December 28, 2014
It is a very beautifully illustrated bug book. My kid loved it. We want to build our own insect hotel too. Interestingly, it is not just a story, the author has introduced readers to a lot of interesting information about the cute little bugs too. Looking forward to the next book
November 7, 2013
Me and the kid's loved this book, and I loved the renewed interest this gave my little monsters on our garden and going on to draw insect friends of our own. Nice book!
October 8, 2016
This Review was done by Maryann, who has since left goodreads :(
I absolutely adored author David Stringer's "The Insect Hotel". It is filled with stories of gardening and insects.Luckily,through David's wonderful flair for description,we get to meet each insect by name and read it's story.
David and son Harry have built an insect hotel in the back garden and introduce us to it's colorful guests,workers and more through amusingly original adventures.
You and your child will be enchanted by "The Insect Hotel". Laughs combine with gentle knowledge about just how beneficial insects are to this world.
A charming story told with love that will become a childhood favorite..
I absolutely adored author David Stringer's "The Insect Hotel". It is filled with stories of gardening and insects.Luckily,through David's wonderful flair for description,we get to meet each insect by name and read it's story.
David and son Harry have built an insect hotel in the back garden and introduce us to it's colorful guests,workers and more through amusingly original adventures.
You and your child will be enchanted by "The Insect Hotel". Laughs combine with gentle knowledge about just how beneficial insects are to this world.
A charming story told with love that will become a childhood favorite..
April 30, 2015
This is a cracking little book, with five chapters about five different fictional insect characters, that is spot on to read and share with youngsters.
I also enjoyed the often secret hidden bits of humour contained throughout the book, aimed for parents, that often made me smile!
The relationship between father and son is heart warming!
Highly recommend! Read it! You'll like it.
I also enjoyed the often secret hidden bits of humour contained throughout the book, aimed for parents, that often made me smile!
The relationship between father and son is heart warming!
Highly recommend! Read it! You'll like it.
April 30, 2015
A really nice book, which highlights some lovely ways in which all us family members can make 'getting out' in the garden more fun!
The father and son relationship is adorable! and the fictional stories created after their hard days work is a really nice touch.
Lovely!
The father and son relationship is adorable! and the fictional stories created after their hard days work is a really nice touch.
Lovely!
April 30, 2015
Lovely, light hearted and heart warming tale of a father and son having simple adventures in their back garden. Which later turn into fun little bed times stories.
Cracking idea and look forward to more of the same!
Cracking idea and look forward to more of the same!
May 23, 2016
This book was exceptional, fun loving read for little ones.
July 25, 2014
This book was recently entered and WON THE GOLD in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
FEEDBACK
Author: David Stringer
Title: The Insect Hotel
COVER: 10/10
The readers loved ‘LOVED!’ the cover of this book. They thought the central image was colourful and fun, the fonts easy-to-read and appropriate for the genre. One reader put in her feedback, ‘This is, by far, the best cover in this year’s awards.’
CONTENT 10/10
This book was very much enjoyed by our readers. They loved the idea of a father and son making an Insect Hotel and the way the dad told his son a story to help him to understand every insect. One reader put, ‘I enjoyed the story of the Stinker best. Kids love trumping!’ Another reader put, ‘In this world of Ipads and laptops, it’s lovely to read a book that will encourage children to enjoy the garden, Well done. Oh, and I love Bill Oddie too!’
The readers were also delighted that you informed readers how they could make their own Insect Hotel at the back of the book.
EDITING 9/10
The readers thought the book was well edited and discovered no glaring problems with grammar, punctuation or spelling. A few of the readers did spot the odd missing full stop. They also thought the book had good pacing and the chapters were well thought out.
STYLE 10/10
The readers very much enjoyed the author’s style of writing. They thought it was very easy to follow and had a sort of ‘old fashioned’ feel to it, appropriate for a book of this kind. One reader put in his feedback. ‘I liked the narrator’s note: Sip of Sap is to be said fast, and sounds more like zip of zap. Fun little tidbits like that made this book a winner for me.’
The readers also very much enjoyed the humour running through the text. One reader put, ‘Humour is very important if you wish for children to focus on the story and learn. The author understands this.’
STATS
Of the 33 readers:
33 finished the book.
33 thought the cover was excellent and genre-appropriate; 16 thought it was the best cover in this year’s awards.
10 felt that the best part of the book was the humour between the dad and boy.
23 felt the best part was the content and how it would encourage children to build an Insect hotel of their own,
33 would like to read another book by this author.
‘The perfect book for any parent who wants his or her child to discover the wonders of nature. A GOLD WINNER!’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
FEEDBACK
Author: David Stringer
Title: The Insect Hotel
COVER: 10/10
The readers loved ‘LOVED!’ the cover of this book. They thought the central image was colourful and fun, the fonts easy-to-read and appropriate for the genre. One reader put in her feedback, ‘This is, by far, the best cover in this year’s awards.’
CONTENT 10/10
This book was very much enjoyed by our readers. They loved the idea of a father and son making an Insect Hotel and the way the dad told his son a story to help him to understand every insect. One reader put, ‘I enjoyed the story of the Stinker best. Kids love trumping!’ Another reader put, ‘In this world of Ipads and laptops, it’s lovely to read a book that will encourage children to enjoy the garden, Well done. Oh, and I love Bill Oddie too!’
The readers were also delighted that you informed readers how they could make their own Insect Hotel at the back of the book.
EDITING 9/10
The readers thought the book was well edited and discovered no glaring problems with grammar, punctuation or spelling. A few of the readers did spot the odd missing full stop. They also thought the book had good pacing and the chapters were well thought out.
STYLE 10/10
The readers very much enjoyed the author’s style of writing. They thought it was very easy to follow and had a sort of ‘old fashioned’ feel to it, appropriate for a book of this kind. One reader put in his feedback. ‘I liked the narrator’s note: Sip of Sap is to be said fast, and sounds more like zip of zap. Fun little tidbits like that made this book a winner for me.’
The readers also very much enjoyed the humour running through the text. One reader put, ‘Humour is very important if you wish for children to focus on the story and learn. The author understands this.’
STATS
Of the 33 readers:
33 finished the book.
33 thought the cover was excellent and genre-appropriate; 16 thought it was the best cover in this year’s awards.
10 felt that the best part of the book was the humour between the dad and boy.
23 felt the best part was the content and how it would encourage children to build an Insect hotel of their own,
33 would like to read another book by this author.
‘The perfect book for any parent who wants his or her child to discover the wonders of nature. A GOLD WINNER!’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
February 6, 2016
This book was so much fun to read! My two year old was involved in the story and had a blast as we talked about all the bugs and their stories. I was shocked at how much of this caught his attention and curiosity. He is only 2 1/2 so I fully anticipated this book to be a bit over his head. It wasn’t! He listened with bated breath as I read.
Stringer does something I would love to hug him for. He write’s to children expecting them to understand and be intelligent. By this, I mean he doesn’t dumb down his language. There is no baby talk here. He writes with imagination and humor while still managing to weave in a good lesson here and there throughout the story.
Stringer also enlightens children to the outdoors as he hooks their curiosity and encourages a compassion for the insect world. He “humanizes” insects by giving them stories and names.
The cover is amazing! What an eye catcher!
I love everything about this book and the messages it perpetrates.
It’s a beautifully written story that I will cherish as part of my son’s library.
To see my full review, check out my blog AlliesOpinions on Wordpress!
Stringer does something I would love to hug him for. He write’s to children expecting them to understand and be intelligent. By this, I mean he doesn’t dumb down his language. There is no baby talk here. He writes with imagination and humor while still managing to weave in a good lesson here and there throughout the story.
Stringer also enlightens children to the outdoors as he hooks their curiosity and encourages a compassion for the insect world. He “humanizes” insects by giving them stories and names.
The cover is amazing! What an eye catcher!
I love everything about this book and the messages it perpetrates.
It’s a beautifully written story that I will cherish as part of my son’s library.
To see my full review, check out my blog AlliesOpinions on Wordpress!
January 14, 2017
This is a cute little story but lacks any depth at all and some of the information is incorrect. It is intended for young children, I'd say 4 - 6 years old, with the parent reading it. If you're interested in getting this book to read to your child I hope that you are male and that your child is also. The book as absolutely zero female characters, including all of the "bugs." I did not find the characters interesting, especially the little boy who is not only tangential but also boring.
Of course, books for this age group aren't going to be deep or insightful but I think you could do better than this.
Of course, books for this age group aren't going to be deep or insightful but I think you could do better than this.
September 15, 2013
Both me and my little sister Jess enjoy reading this book.
My sister has now started drawing insects and i'm having to make plans to build our own insect hotel.
Both Harry his dad and the insect characters are funny.
Got me looking for other kindle books to read, which get's me in my mums good books. ha ha
My sister has now started drawing insects and i'm having to make plans to build our own insect hotel.
Both Harry his dad and the insect characters are funny.
Got me looking for other kindle books to read, which get's me in my mums good books. ha ha
October 5, 2013
Such a sweet book!
November 7, 2013
Loved reading/sharing this with my two grand kids.
February 8, 2015
Re-read this book again today with my son, and it encouraged us both to get outside and play!
Good humoured, well illustrated and full of heart warming tales! We enjoy it.
Good humoured, well illustrated and full of heart warming tales! We enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews