Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Some children have a passion for collecting bugs. Other children are terrified of bugs. It doesn’t have to be a scary world full of little creepy crawlies. Bugs have their purpose and, when viewed and appreciated, they can be quite remarkable and even beautiful. Some are industrious, like the ants; some are beautiful like the butterflies and fireflies; and some can make one giggle when they crawl across bare skin. Looking through the eyes of a child, we can all learn to appreciate these little creatures.

Kari Behrens’ colorful picture book story, Backyard Bug Hunt, takes the reader on a journey to explore the wonders of a little boy’s backyard. As the story unfolds in rhyming meter, the reader shares in the little boy’s amazing discoveries. He learns about the importance of each bug he discovers, and he learns to respect them and let them do their jobs, like the caterpillar who’s eating a leaf: “Mommy says to let him eat/ and one day he will soar./ But, until that day is here/ he should eat a little more!”

There is poetry in nature, poetry in life, and there’s certainly poetry in this charming little story about exploring the bugs in the backyard. And there is beauty in more than just the visual: “I listen closely/ and hear a familiar song./ The crickets chirp in harmony/ that nightfall won’t be long.” This is a valuable learning tool to help young children appreciate all that nature has to offer. The beautiful illustrations help to carry the ideas. A real treasure to be shared over and over again and one that will hopefully help young children overcome their fear of little bugs.