Six Little Sticks, written by Tiffany Stone and illustrated by Ruth Hengeveld. Greystone Kids, 2025. $23.95 ages 4 and up

 

"No little sticks. 
Six sticks are gone. 

Is Mama worried? Is Mama mad? 

No. Look, Mama is really ... glad!"

Mama stick bug has set herself a task. She wants to teach her six children how to hide. That way they will always be safe when they are not with her. The counting begins. Mama can only see 5! Then, only 4. The number continues to change as Mama carefully checks to find each of her tiny tots. 

When she cannot find any of them, she realizes just how bright they are. They have already learned a most important life lesson. They know how to hide! Wait! Mama's not done yet. Now, she wants friends and cousins to join in a game of hide-and-seek. A careful search will have eagle-eyed readers finding 20 bugs!!! 

Ruth Hengeveld uses digital media to create a world where stick bugs can be incredibly hard to find. Initially, along with Mama, readers will get a clear picture of all six as they play nearby on the leaves and branches. They have pencil crayons, binoculars, a pinwheel, a lantern, a scooter and a pear to keep them occupied. With each turn of the page, their number dwindles until they have all found a place to hide. When the new game begins, they are there to be found again. Observant kids will delight in finding each missing stick bug. It might take a while, and some patience. Back matter includes 'six little facts about stick bugs' and an introduction to some of the other tricky critters that can hide in plain sight, and can be found in the pages of this attractive and full-of-fun picture book.