Grub

by Sandra Severgnini

Bringing the mystery of metamorphosis to life, Grub is sure to delight insect-loving young readers with its realistic illustrations, gentle humour, and surprise ending. On the floor of the rainforest, far below the tree canopy, a small grub has a big question. Sensing that his body is about to change, he wonders what he will become, so he turns to his friends for answers. The ladybird, the cicada, the dragonfly and the monarch butterfly all describe what they looked like before they changed – and none looked like the grub. Eventually, the grub begins to change – and his transformation is spectacular! With realistic illustrations, vivid detail and gentle humour, Grub brings the habitat and life cycle of the Hercules beetle, and other insects that undergo metamorphosis, to life. The final reveal is sure to send young readers on a journey of discovery to learn more about the amazing Hercules beetle – one of the world’s largest – with its giant pincers .

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 10, 2023

Reviews

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An artistically designed literary nonfiction picture book aimed at young readers; Grub is full of curiosity abut what creature he will turn into. He questions numerous creatures to see if he will transform into one of them but each creature compares grub to what they looked like earlier in their life cycle, non of them like grub. Svergnini uses scientific language to correctly name the animals and their earlier selves such as the stick insect being a nymph, the dragon fly as larva and so forth. This is incorporated smoothly into what is narrative story text. The watercolor illustrations use a varied palette and show the animals in their natural habitat - as adult and young with accurate and carefully presented detail that clearly differentiates each of them and highlights their unique qualities. The animals woven into this scientifically informed story are ladybird, butterfly, cicada, dragonfly, stick insect, and of course grub - you will gave to read the book to discover how he comes out of his hibernating shell!
Everything about this book is polished, informative, engaging and intriguing. Excellent!

[Gaby Meares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grub lives in the forest 'way beneath the tree canopy, in an old log'. As he eats and eats (echos of The Very Hungry Caterpillar), he asks passing insects if he will transform into one of them. So we learn how ladybirds, cicadas and other insects start their lifecycles. When Grub finally emerges from his shell, 'he wasn't a grub anymore...he was a (you'll have to read the book to find out!)
Informative, and beautifully illustrated, this picture book is a perfect way to introduce insect transformation to young children in a charming way.

[Nella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated picture book about the Hercules Beetle.