Sunday is George’s favourite day as he gets to
spend it with Grandad. This Sunday he is going to the Museum of Wildlife.
Massive dinosaurs, whales and Mammoths are seen only in passing as Grandad
drags George to another area.
There are coloured insects framed and mounted on
the walls. Their beauty excites George and he wants to have a collection of his
own just like this one.
The next day George gets out a net on a pole, empty
jars, a magnifying glass, and packs them in his rucksack. The garden is a haven
for every type of insect.
They buzz and fly around. George doesn’t know which
direction to go in first he is so excited. When his jars are full, he pulls
his cart to the tree house. He sets the jars in rows on shelves and studies
them closely with his magnifying glass.
But as George crosses to go home, no insect sounds
can be heard. The air is filled with silence instead of the buzzing that was
always there. He shows Grandad his collection but Grandad is not pleased with
George. He explains that all insects have a role to play in the ecosystem and
explains how they contribute to the cycle of life.
George knows what he has to do.
Beautifully designed and delivered, this book
teaches children awareness about the importance of all living creatures, even
those that seem slimy and disgusting, on whom we and all living things depend
on for life in one way or another.
The blues and greens highlight the natural
surroundings. I loved the characters and the obvious affection they have for
each other shines on their faces.
The stunning illustrations and characters created
by Alex G Griffiths are a delight and signify the joy and liveliness that is
found in nature. Vibrant covers invite inspection and the alternating of full
page, double spreads and multi-images per page accent the excitement and
movement shown by George and the insects he and Grandad so love.
This is Alex G Griffith’s debut picture book and I
guarantee we will see a great deal more from this talented creator. This book is an ideal teaching tool for
classrooms and libraries, and homes that share book time on couches and in
beds. Kids will love this one!
Title:
The Bug Collector
Author/Illustrator:
Alex G Griffiths
Publisher:
New Frontier Publishing, $24.99
Publication
Date: May 2019
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781925594539
For
ages: 3 – 6
Type:
Picture book
