Grub by Sandra Severgnini
This book was part of the Notable list for the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year Awards – Eve Pownall Award for Information Books.
Bringing the mystery of metamorphosis to life, Grub is sure to delight insect-loving young readers with its realistic illustrations, gentle humour, and surprise ending. On the floor of the rainforest, far below the tree canopy, a small grub has a big question. Sensing that his body is about to change, he wonders what he will become, so he turns to his friends for answers. The ladybird, the cicada, the dragonfly and the monarch butterfly all describe what they looked like before they changed – and none looked like the grub. Eventually, the grub begins to change – and his transformation is spectacular! With realistic illustrations, vivid detail and gentle humour, Grub brings the habitat and life cycle of the Hercules beetle, and other insects that undergo metamorphosis, to life. The final reveal is sure to send young readers on a journey of discovery to learn more about the amazing Hercules beetle – one of the world’s largest – with its giant pincers.
I was this many years old, when I discovered that ladybirds didn’t come into being as ladybirds. And I know that it’s pretty obvious when I think about it because it would have a larvae form but as I was reading this book I realised that I have never seen a larva ladybird.
Learning this is what made me decide to review this book but it’s also an excellent book.
Grub, our main character, goes on a journey wondering what they will be when they grow up (go through their metamorphosis) and as anyone who has read The Very Hungry Caterpillar knows there will be a big change coming. Grub asks other bugs if they will turn into the same insect but each time, we are shown what that bug’s larvae form was and each time it’s not right. Finally, it’s time and grub becomes a…
Kids love bugs so this book will appeal to them but it’s also an excellent and easily accessible way to start talking about all of the different grubs you will see in your garden. While I have obviously never seen a ladybird larva I will now know what I’m looking for. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed, and you can see Grub slowly getting bigger as they prepare to change.
I would recommend this book to everyone, it’s lovely and after reading it I suggest you go on a bug hunt.
To Bug Hunt
Pick an area where there are lots of plants and some undergrowth. Put down something like a hola hoop or piece of string, then hunt through that area and see what you can see and try and work out what they are.
