Hug a Bug: How YOU Can Help Protect Insects: A Dr. Seuss's The Lorax Nonfiction Book

by Bonnie Worth, Aristides Ruiz (Illustrator)

Join the Lorax—Dr. Seuss's beloved icon of environmentalism—as he introduces children to nine insects currently endangered by human activity. An empowering book that teaches kids simple actions they can take to help protect and save them!

I am the Lorax
and I’ve come here to say
that some bugs need our help
(and they need it TODAY)!


This rhymed easy-reader narrated by the Lorax explains how insects are vital to life on Earth, and how some of them—including bumble bees, ladybugs, monarch butterflies, and dragonflies—are threatened with extinction. Young children will learn how these common backyard insects help humans to survive (by pollinating our crops, for example), and how humans— including kids —can make simple changes that will help these insect species to survive as well!
 
Illustrated with bright, cheerful art and full-color photographs, Hug a Bug includes suggestions on growing native plants, reducing energy use to combat climate change, a list of recommended Web sites, glossary, index, and instructions for building a simple bee house. It's a perfect choice to nurture a love and respect for the natural world—as well as a love of reading!

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Conservation

48 pages, Hardcover

Published May 3, 2022

About the author

BONNIE WORTH is the author of countless books for young readers, among them the Cat in the Hat Learning Library books If I Ran the Rain Forest, HarK! A Shark!, Oh Say Can You Seed? (winner of the 2003 Ohio Farm Bureau Award), Wish for a Fish, Oh Say Can You Say Di-No-Saur?, Would You Rather Be a Pollywog?, Ice Is Nice!, and Safari, So Good!

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspired by Dr. Seuss's ecofriendly character, the Lorax, this book uses rhyming text to introduced young readers to various insects as well as providing tips for how to help them. The illustrations and text feature creatures that are endangered because of humans, and just as humans have been the source of their demise, they can be their salvation if they take action. The book makes it clear how important many of these bugs are to other species and to plants and flowers. Among the insects discussed here are Monarch butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs, and emerald dragonflies as well as others. Often, it isn't attacks on the creatures themselves that cause problems but the destruction of their habitat. This title might be effective in inspiring youngsters to take action as the result of coming to appreciate the bugs around them. Use it as part of a science lesson on the environment and endangered species. While bugs might be small and seem inconsequential, they certainly matter.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lorax (Dr. Seuss' environmental hero) is back to teach us about insects. They pollinate, the eat other pests or weeds, and some are even food for larger animals. Insects, like monarch butterflies are losing their habitat. Butterflies are pollinators as are bees. Weed killer can also kill bees. Ladybugs help control aphids, other insects help break down dead animals.

The text is reminiscent of Seuss rhymes, as are the illustrations. I liked the "did you know" text boxes that also show photographs of the insects. Pictures are also incorporated into the illustrations which is cool. Includes tips for how you can help, instructions for making a bee house, link to relevant organizations and websites as well as a glossary and an index.

Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in The Lorax Dr. Seuss series, this book uses rhymed verse and photos and illustrations to tell the story of a number of insects which are in danger. Each profile (which could be jigsawed in a class) tells the value of the insect and how it is being endangered by other forces. The book ends with a call to action that includes a number of practical steps that readers can take. The book also has interesting Do You Know facts scattered throughout the text. The book ends with a list of additional websites that can be consulted for more information and possible actions.

[Ben · Rating 1 out of 5]

The rhymes in this book
Are so poorly constructed
They have no rhythm and their rhymes are all fucktered.

It's informational sure
But that's such a low bar
For a book with a name of a children's book star.

My stupid review had better poetry
And even the meter of this verse
Is less confusing and coarse.

But seriously, Seuss wrote in AABBCC rhyme schemes and this book doesn't use that distinctive pattern he was famous for, so it doesn't sound or feel anything like a Dr Seuss book

[Villain E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using the Lorax for conservation books makes sense. This one, obviously, is about bugs; their place in the ecosystem, things that are threatening them, and how we can help. Told in rhyme, of course.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why we need caterpillars, bees and even beetles. All presented in a rhyming colorful portrayal.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book for Bug-loving kiddos. My 5-year-old daughter loved the many colorful pictures of insects.

[Ms. Madalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little long to read the whole thing but would be a good option to read part of if doing a program about butterflies, bees, monarch conservation, etc.