A First Book of Bugs: with 30 poems about insects and minibeasts

By Author / Illustrator

Simon Mole, illus Adam Ming

Genre

Poetry

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529507546

Format

Hardback

Published

14-08-2025

Synopsis

Some have wings that shimmer bright... Some live deep in the earth, hidden from sight... Some have a venomous, deadly bite... It's time to meet the BUGS!

Discover a secret world thriving right underneath your feet. From beetles to butterflies, spiders to scorpions, meet the most bizarre and awe-inspiring bugs ever to walk the Earth! Author Simon Mole turns fascinating facts into poems full of humour and heart; Adam Ming's illustrations are a riot of colour and energy, helping these extraordinary creatures to jump off the page. Here is the insect kingdom in all its glory - and here is a book that children will want to read over and over again.

Reviews

Roseanne

A First Book of Bugs by Simon Mole is a wonderfully engaging introduction to the world of insects and mini-beasts for young children.

My little girl and I have loved exploring this book together, especially when we spot bugs in the garden. The illustrations and text make it easy for children to relate to the creatures they encounter in real life while also learning about a wide variety of species.

What I particularly enjoy about this book is how it presents bugs as fascinating and fun, rather than something to be afraid of. It encourages curiosity and observation, helping children to appreciate nature in a hands-on way.

The book balances educational content with playful illustrations and clear explanations, making it suitable for early readers and for parents to share during garden explorations or nature walks. The variety of bugs covered - from the familiar to the more unusual - keeps young readers engaged and excited to learn more. Each page sparks questions and discussions, and the book naturally encourages children to explore the world around them, fostering a sense of discovery and respect for living creatures.

Overall, A First Book of Bugs is a delightful, informative, and visually appealing book that makes learning about insects enjoyable for young children. It's a perfect addition to a child's bookshelf, combining education, fun, and curiosity in one engaging package.

80 pages / Reviewed by Roseanne Sutton