Rex the Rhinoceros Beetle

Rex the Rhinoceros Beetle is a bright and vibrant picture book with an important underlying message. The story focuses on two rhinoceros beetles called Rex and Buster. Buster has found a banana on the jungle floor but he soon spins an exciting tale of how he acquired the fruit to Rex. From moving huge boulders to scaring away snakes, Buster truly sounds like the bravest beetle the jungle has ever seen. But soon the lies start to unravel when the two beetles' lives are put at risk by a passing monkey. Buster comes to learn the errors of his ways when Rex comes to the rescue...although maybe Rex has picked up a some of Buste' use of little white lies along the way...

MG Leonard has written a really enjoyable and fun story to share with younger children. It would certainly be a good choice for a shared story when covering topics such as minibeasts or animals and their habitats. This is justified further with the inclusion of fun facts about the beetle at the end of the story, meaning children get the perfect combination of fact and fiction within one text.

The language MG Leonard uses throughout is accessible for all and it offers an introduction to similes as well as plenty of chances to model good expression when reading aloud to a group.

Duncan Beedie's illustrations are as colourful and vibrant as you would expect and accompany the book perfectly. They make the book stand out and alluring for the target audience. The expressions on the characters' faces add to the enjoyment of the reading experience.

Overall, a fun story book worthy of being included in any reading corner at home or school with the added bonus of being relevant for some school topics.

Picture book / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+