Insects are not called ‘pests’ for nothing right? The Insect Boy narrates the story of a little boy’s repeated encounters with all kinds of insects. Right from the time little Roy was born, insects…those pesky winged creatures have really bothered him in many different ways imaginable.

However, once he grows up he starts to see insects in a different light. The book presents two possibilities here, as these are actually two books in one! In both, the story starts in a similar fashion, with insects harassing Roy, but both stories end differently.

 Alliterations add to the fun

 “Many marauding mosquitoes mauled him” or “wicked wasps made him weep” or “An army of angry ants bit him” ….these are but few of the numerous alliterations that fill up the book. As most of us acquainted with little kids know, they simply love alliterations. This makes “The Insect Boy” an apt read-aloud picture book on insects.

 

Picture book on insects

Well, this is a picture book and the illustrations show larger than life versions of insects which makes it quite fascinating. They show the insects all absorbed in their very natural activities of biting, marauding and in general harassing Roy! The child’s expression of fear, pain, disgust and wonder also come forth very clearly and openly through the images.

 

It goes both ways

You can start the story from the front or from the back. Yes…these are actually two books in one, but present two very different endings. This is an innovative spin to a picture book on insects for children. It shows how much there is to discover in the world of creepy crawlies and that they are not just ‘pests’, but fascinating creatures who have a world of their own.

 

In short…

Short and snappy alliterations, larger than life illustrations, an introduction to a variety of insects with some interesting facts gently interwoven in the story…this picture book on insects is a great book to read and keep for ages 3 and above. 

 

 

 

Title: The Insect Boy

Author: Shobha Viswanath

Illustrator: Monami Roy

Publisher: Karadi Tales 

Genre: Children’s books

Age group: Ages 4+

 

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