Bug Blonsky and His Very Long List of Don'ts

Bug Blonsky

by E.S. Redmond

Follow one rip-roarious day in the life of an antsy (if lovable) boy named Bug, guided by E. S. Redmond's humor and wit.

If seven-year-old Benjamin (aka Bug) Blonsky were a superhero, he'd be "Bug Boy with the Power to Annoy." That's what his big sister says. Mom says he's wiggly and can't sit still. Dad says he's easily distracted. On this day, Bug's "choices" -- drawing pictures of pig roller coasters during math time, making armpit noises when his teacher bends over -- have landed him in a heap of trouble, so now he's writing a list of what not to do: his list of don'ts. Such as: don't be late for the bus (you'll have to sit with know-it-all Abner), don't trade a cookie for a flaxseed muffin (it won't taste like cotton candy), don't be nice to Peggy Pinkerton (she'll want to kiss you), and whatever happens, don't tell Mom! Bug's list is very long, but will it help him stay out of trouble? Don't count on it!

Genres: Humor, Chapter Books, Juvenile, Family, Contemporary, Childrens

80 pages, Hardcover

Published January 2, 2018

About the author

E. S. Redmond was inspired to write this, her first book, after a trip with her children to a petting zoo. She says, "I remember watching all these smiling, wobbling toddlers surrounding the animals. Every little nose was running, and the sheep resembled very large mounds of tissue. It struck me as altogether funny and ironic that the hand soap was mounted on the fence at the exit. Nice for us, not so great for the sheep." E. S. Redmond lives in Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bug is really, really, really, trying to do the right thing. That is why he is doing a long list of don'ts, from reasonable ones like "Don't be late for the bus", to hilarious ones like "Don't ask Ms. Munster 'Is Uranus the biggest?'", including some he learned the hard way like "Don't ask Principal Sternesly if she was pretty when she was young".

Amazing illustrations too!

I received this copy in an Early Reviewers Giveaway in LibraryThing.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drew me in with it's fabulous illustrations... illustrations which can stand all on their own. Their style is just my cup of tea.

You immediately fall in love with this lop-eared, seven year old, who is forever on the move and no one seems able to pin him down except when he is ordered to go to his quiet chair to think about the choices he makes.

He is a typical boy through and through, full of mischief, activity and curiosity. His mom calls him wiggly, his dad says he's impulsive and distractible and his big sister says he's plain super annoying. He's not malicious or vindictive, just a small boy happily engaging in his life, a very similar character to Dennis the Menace.

He seems to have a propensity to stumble into trouble and he dabbles in it over and over again. Scenarios of his antics are portrayed within his home among family members and at his school with his teacher and surrounding classmates. The book is witty and very funny. The ink-and-watercolour illustrations are animated, detailed and very, very kid-friendly enriching the humour of the book greatly.

"Bug Blonksky and His Very Long List of Don'ts" touches on what's it's like to being a superhero (for him Bug boy with the Power to Annoy), making unacceptable body sounds (which kids certainly love, causing them lots of disguised disgust but hearty giggles ensue), and even a sprinkle of romance for Bug, courtesy of Peggy Pinkerton. This early reader will be a hit with reluctant readers (especially boys who certainly can relate) and it is a perfect read aloud. I highly recommend this book.

[Jenni · Rating 1 out of 5]

I recieved an ARC of this at BEA this year, and at first glance thought it would be a great book for my daughter and I to read before bed.

Unfortunately, the sudden stop and go chapters left me with a jarring feeling, and I did not appreciate some of the negative language and depictions inside. Not something I'm going to keep.

[Natalie Tate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a funny chapter book, but the humor felt flat as a pancake and was mostly devoted to name calling and potty humor. Give this one a big ole' skip.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benjamin, or bug, as he is often called, causes trouble everywhere he goes, at home, on the school bus, at recess, in class, he can't seem to stay out of trouble. Throughout the early chapter book, bug creates a list of things not to do based off of which of his actions has gotten him into trouble that day. Bug is a quirky, funny, kid with a bright imagination and a wandering mind. The writing style is quick witted and hard not to enjoy. I would recommend this book to all looking for a quick and funny story time favorite.

Questions:
What is on your list of Don'ts?
Do you think bug is trying to cause problems at home and school or is it an accident?
What would be your parenting strategy if you were bug's mom?
If bug was going to write a list of To Do's, what do you think he would put on it?
What would be on yours?

Redmond, E. (2018). Bug Blonsky and His Very Long List of Don'ts. MA: Candlewick Press.

[Karin Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the mother of two boys. They are thirteen years apart. The dinner table is often the place where I dream of quiet repast. More often than not it is a meal with appetizers of fart jokes, dishes of planetary butt jokes, desserts of jokes about dirty underwear with a giggled poop joke for a cherry on top.
Bug Blonsky would fit right in at my dinner table. I get Bug, wiggly, creative and misunderstood. I have loved the Dory Fantasmagory books. I have been a wishin' and a hopin' for another book to fill this niche, beginning chapter books that the whole family can enjoy. The humorous writing and illustrations are a perfect match. Bug is awesome!

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never seen so many sneers, frowns, and scowls in a book. The main character "Bug" does not handle situations well, and it's supposed to be funny, but instead I was mostly horrified at how awful everyone treated each other and sad to see so much negativity. Kids making fun of teachers and other kids, adults constantly scowling at children, a teacher with a stack of books titled "The Joyless Classroom," "Silence is Golden," and "Coloring Inside the Lines." I did not think it came across as funny. This early chapter looks promising, but it sucked the joy right out of me.

[Victoria Whipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bug Blonsky is a distractable second grader. This is his list of things not to do, in order to stay out of trouble, which he writes while "sitting in the quiet chair thinking about choices." The situations Bug finds himself in are realistic and relatable to young readers. Redmond's illustrations support the text for new readers, and add a layer of humor to the situations Bug finds himself in. This will be a welcome series for new readers; it will keep them amused and it will keep them reading. I can't wait to start recommending this to my students! Gr. 1-4

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an ARC and thought this book was really great for reluctant young readers. The humorous storyline kept my son interested and engaged. The short chapters were perfect for his reading level and helped him feel that he was making progress without feeling overwhelmed. FINALLY, an early reader for boys that is funny and relatable! If you can get them laughing, you can get them reading! We LOVED this book and hope it becomes a series.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bug Blonsky and His Very Long List of Don'ts by E.S. Redmond hits the nail on the head for young readers. Humorous illustrations drive home the story of Bug's school day woes. Large font, shorter vocabulary words and silly situations will please kids 6 - 9 who are just getting the hang of reading short chapter books. Bug Blonsky and His Very Long List of Don'ts by E.S. Redmond hits the nail on the head for early readers.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Candlewick Press for the ARC of this book, just out this month. Poor Bug, he struggles to keep his mouth shut, and his actions to remain only thoughts. I know kids will giggle when the jokes are on Benjamin (really known as Bug) and also on his “Don’t List”. Cartoon-like illustrations show the humor too with exaggerated expressions on everyone.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Cute, funny illustrations, some potty language - enough to make kids laugh but not so much that it would be offensive. Cute ending, and enjoyed how the "list" (story) builds. Good for 2nd/3rd grades.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interested in seeing the final version when it comes out.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.S. Redmond hits it out of the park once again. Authenticity is a hard thing to foster in kids. This book celebrates it, encourages it and ultimately shows why being yourself is absolutely positively necessary.

[Bertha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great easy to read book that is geared to ages 6-9. The illustrations are funny and would be a good for both boys and girls.

[Michele Knott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young readers will love seeing themselves in this book about a character who has trouble thinking about his actions before he acts on them.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the illustrations! Really funny!

[Clarissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very funny, but the humor relies on stereotypes, and a lot of the jokes are about women/girls being fat/killjoys.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because the part when Bug tells his grandma that he learned a new curse word was funny.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun boy kids book... 2nd-4th grade.
Some quite big words, but still a fun easy read for young boys.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Jesica DeHart · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a clever nod to the style of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Bug Blonsky navigates the world of cause and effect. A delightfully endearing book that every child can relate to and appreciate. I found myself completely engrossed with the clever cadence of the story and could both relate and also see the parallel story unfolding beyond the pages in my own home. A pure pleasure to read!

[Angela Chang · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was amusing, but the plot wasn't very good-- it was a bit repetitive. The drawings were Excellent.
Very well illustrated cartoony style-- with great expressions on the characters. Funny pictures, and detailed well-- that's what kept me going through the book, But the plot... hmmm. It has some funny bits, and I'm sure kids will like reading it-- but it is a long series of repetitive events. It is "very long" in that sense-- I kept wondering when it would get better and if anything would actually happen that was not predictable. There was a bit where the plot jumped around (from tipping the kid;s lunch on someone to smelly socks) that seemed illogical.

[Magy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second grader Bug Blonsky has quite the day. At home and at school Bug can't seem to avoid bad choices. From smaller infractions like spilling his breakfast or talking to his best friend during morning meeting to bigger problems like stomping on a girl's foot (she was trying to kiss him) or dumping his lunch on someone's head, Bug catalogs his "don’ts" in a cause and effect style narrative list.

Well illustrated and humorous, many kids--especially those that struggle to make it through a school day without a mishap--will find Bug Blonsky and His Very Long List of Don'ts amusing. Some kids may struggle to relate to some of Bug's troubles, like his difficulties with Peggy Pinkerton's infatuation, but overall kids will find the book a funny read!