FICTION

Bug on a Bike

by Chris MONROE
illus. by Chris Monroe. 32p. ebook available. Carolrhoda. Oct. 2014. lib. ed. $16.95. ISBN 9781467721547. LC 2013048153.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—In this kooky cumulative tale, a ladybug on a bike announces, "It's time to go now." A motley parade of friends follows him as he pedals down roads and up hills and through a forest, despite not knowing "where we're going or when we'll be back." Monroe's quirky ink-and-watercolor cartoons showcase small vignettes of the many odd characters, including ants rolling on a log, an "athletic pickle" pumping iron, and a lizard baking pies in an amphibian-shaped kiln. The rhyming verse takes a long, circuitous route to get to the punch line: "Well look at the time./ We're not late, we're not tardy./ It's my Bug Birthday Party!" This rambling adventure sometimes spins its wheels.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
A helmeted ladybug rides a bike through a busy neighborhood populated by bugs and animals, an "athletic pickle," a nickel, etc., inviting them all to follow him to a mysterious locale. The rhyming text is pleasing, if somewhat forced at times. Young readers will delight in noticing the myriad details in the quirky, Richard Scarry–like watercolor and ink illustrations.
Reviewed by Linda Ludke , Aug 01, 2014

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Not If You Break Up with Me First
by Miller, G.F
BOOKS

Any Way You Look
by Siddiqui, Maleeha
BOOKS

Picture a Girl
by Manzer, Jenny
BOOKS

Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
by Thomas, Sonja
BOOKS

Breaking into Sunlight
by Cochran, John
BOOKS

Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine
by Melleby, Nicole
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?