Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite, written and illustrated by Ashley Spires. Kids Can Press, 2021. $14.99 ages 4 and up

 

"MANY BUGS CAN FLY.

Let's see what these 
four wings can do. 

Are you watching? 

BOMBS AWAY!

AAAAAAAAA!"

Ashley Spires fills both front and back endpapers with trading card-like images of numerous insects, fittingly presented with a descriptive rather than scientific name. This is in keeping with the kind of humor we have come to expect in her books. 

Burt, a beetle, is narrator of this engaging graphic novel. He uses one-liners and zingers to convince readers that he is a lot like the many species of insects that inhabit our world. Informative insects are pleased to introduce their own personal characteristics. While some fly and some crawl, Burt asserts that he can do both. He describes himself as a 'ten-lined June beetle' and offers up the atttributes that make him one. 

"JUNE BEETLES HAVE FEATHERY ANTENNAE ... 

It's a style choice. 

A FURRY BELLY ... 

All natural. 

AND CAN GROW UP TO TWO INCHES LONG. 

Don't worry - I may be big,
but I don't bite. 
I'm more of a hugger." 

Burt continues being a giver of knowledge concerning insects of all shapes and sizes. As he does so, he becomes quite desirous of being more like them. He has aspirations to do what they can do. Truthfully, there isn't much that Burt can do. As he tries to show that he has capabilities he doesn't have, he gets himself in some tricky spots - almost always landing on his back and needing help. He does eventually prove useful when some of his friends become entangled in a spider's web. 

The art is full of fun, and effective. Ms. Spires offers facts along with some amusing fictional elements. Together, they make for a book to be enjoyed by many. Readers looking for accessible text, mixed with some giggles will be fans. Burt is a positive and thoughtful go-getter.