Little Bug

by Karin Larson, Eugene Ruble (Illustrator)

16 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2015

About the author

Karin Larson is a children’s author and speech/language pathologist living in Mitchell, SD, with her husband and children. Larson is the author of BEDTIME KISSES (4RV Publishing, April 2014), LITTLE BUG (Guardian Angel Publishing, August 2015) and ALPHABET ZOO (4RV Publishing, 2022). She enjoys reading and traveling with family. Larson is a member of SCBWI, 12 x 12 and a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature.

Reviews

[Beverly McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little ones, whether they’re children or animals, need friends. They need food and water. They need lots of things life has to offer; they especially need a home where they feel safe.

In LITTLE BUG, Author Karin Larson’s new picture book, Little Bug goes in search of a friend to play with. When he doesn’t find anyone, he decides he’s hungry and goes hunting for food. Again, he’s not successful and thinks, well, he’s thirsty, maybe he’ll search for a drink of water. Nope, no luck there, either. He is having a bad, bad day. What’s a little bug to do?

Karin Larson has written a sweet story about accepting things we can’t change and making the best of a situation. Little Bug doesn’t get angry and have a tantrum when he can’t find what he’s looking for. Instead, he keeps on trying. Will he ever find what he’s seeking? Or will he be content with what he does find? Only Little Bug, and you, the reader of the story know.

Eugene Ruble’s winsome illustrations show Little Bug’s different emotions with each situation just perfectly. You gotta love a little bug with big eyes and a heart full of hope that he’ll find what he’s looking for. Does he? I’m not telling, but Little Bug will.

I recommend LITTLE BUG for school libraries, public libraries, and of course your own private library. The book will be fun for parents and children to read together, or just to read by yourself in a quiet corner of your house.

###

[Penelope Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Little Bug,” by Karin Larson, illustrated by Eugene Ruble, is the type of children’s book that I especially enjoy—a book about word play using opposites. In fact, I’ve got my own manuscript with opposites in it. As a concept book about opposites, “Little Bug” has just about all of them. He goes out crawling to find a friend, some food, a drink, a tunnel, a worm, a ride on a butterfly, some shade, a puddle, a tree, a flower, the ant queen, a resting place, and a house. Little Bug goes all over, under, around, and through in his journey. Poor little bug. At the end of the day, he will have to start his search all over again.

Unlike his more realistic illustrations, Eugene Ruble’s pastel artwork in this story has whimsy and silliness that would appeal to readers at the younger age range. Readers at the higher age range could make a game of writing down all the opposites--or even guessing which opposites go together. This would be a good book for teachers to showcase these opposites. Also, it’s a good book for parents and grandparents to quiz their students about opposites. “Little Bug” would make a good read aloud book as well. This book is highly recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Reviewed by:
Penelope Anne Cole, Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea.

[Donna McDine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Bug takes you on the adventure of persistence of finding just the right place to call home. The journey is near and far and all places in between intertwined with the need of finding comfort in the perfect setting. Not to be thwarted by the obstacles thrown his way, even though tired and a bit discouraged Little Bug continues onward. Will Little Bug give in to his exhaustion and quit or will his persistence finally pay off. Find out in children’s author, Karin Larson’s second children’s book, Little Bug.

Karin Larson’s bug adventure will stimulate the reader’s mind by wondering what will come next in the adventure of Little Bug.
Learn more about Karin Larson at:

www.karin-larson.blogspot.com/
www.facebook.com/KLarson5

[Viviane Elbee]

This is a concept book that would be good to use to discuss prepositions and antonyms with kids. There's a little, crazy looking bug that crawls everywhere (under, over, inside, outside etc...). Good book for fans of ludicrous looking bugs.

[Regan Macaulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Little Bug" by Karin Larson is a story about a little bug with persistence to spare! He seeks out a friend, a morsel of food, a drink of water, a place with shade, a place to climb, a puddle to bathe in—you name it. He doesn’t really find what he’s looking, except for some peace and quiet at the end of the day, but he’s willing to go looking for it all again tomorrow. Turns out this little guy has patience as well as persistence. He doesn’t lose it when he’s unsuccessful this time around, he will just keep trying.

This is also an excellent story for young readers to learn prepositions, antonyms and expand their vocabulary.

I love the zany illustrations by Eugene Ruble. His style is unique and brings us a truly madcap character. Little Bug is an excellent read aloud story and highly recommended for early readers (ages 7-10). A terrific book to add to any school, public or private library!

Check out the adorable video trailer for "Little Bug" at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30Cw9...

Learn more about Karin at: www.karin-larson.blogspot.com/ and www.facebook.com/KLarson5

Please note: I reviewed a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion/review.